This Monday may seem like a typical start to the week for most, but for TJ Atchison, it's a day that he will remember always. The twenty-two year old nursing student is following his normal Monday schedule - attending classes, visiting patients, socializing with friends, but he's also squeezing in a press conference to share BIG news with all of you.
As I left for work this morning, a close friend called and asked if TJ's press conference was on schedule for today. A few minutes later, text messages started pouring in and my email inbox filled with the same question. So, I thought it would be nice to let all of you know that TJ's press conference is on schedule for 1 pm today at USA's Moulton Tower. He's not a bit nervous, just eager to share the exciting news with everyone.
In closing, I'd like to ask that you keep TJ in your thoughts and prayers today. Because of this brave young man, huge advances in spinal cord injury research are on the horizon! Best wishes, everyone! ~ Tory
*The compositions herein are not to be copied, reproduced, printed, published, posted, displayed, incorporated, stored in or scanned into a retrieval system or database, transmitted, broadcast, bartered or sold, in whole or in part without the prior express written permissions of the sole author Tory Minus. Unauthorized duplication is strictly prohibited and is an infringement of National and International Copyright Laws.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
TJ's Press Conference!
Okay, friends! I've been given the go ahead to share details about TJ's press conference.
Senator Keahey confirmed this morning that he, TJ, and Roman Reed will hold a press conference at 1 pm, Monday, January 30th, in front of the University of South Alabama's beautiful Moulton Tower.
The purpose for TJ holding this press conference will be revealed Monday, so check back then to see what he, Senator Keahey, and Roman have in store for the great state of Alabama, and for the Nation.
Until then, I hope you all have a safe, meaningful, productive, and happy weekend! Much love, Tory
Senator Keahey confirmed this morning that he, TJ, and Roman Reed will hold a press conference at 1 pm, Monday, January 30th, in front of the University of South Alabama's beautiful Moulton Tower.
The purpose for TJ holding this press conference will be revealed Monday, so check back then to see what he, Senator Keahey, and Roman have in store for the great state of Alabama, and for the Nation.
Until then, I hope you all have a safe, meaningful, productive, and happy weekend! Much love, Tory
Sunday, January 22, 2012
A big announcment on the way to Alabama!
Remember when TJ Atchison, Roman Reed, and Senator Keahey got together in November? Well, a lot has taken place since that evening in Chatom, Alabama.
As I type this blogpost tonight, these incredible men are making final preparations for a press conference that will be held before January's end. TJ plans to invite local and national media outlets to join him, Roman and Senator Keahey (D-AL) as they reveal exciting news about spinal cord injury research in Alabama.
For those of you who know TJ, Roman, and Senator Keahey, you understand the meaning behind my words, A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT. Indeed these gentlemen pour their hearts and souls into everything they do, so it will definitely be an event you will want to follow closely.
Please understand that I do not want to disclose any more information about this announcement, because TJ has waited months to share this exciting news with you; it is not my place to say or do anything to jeopardize this moment for him, I simply want to make people aware that something BIG is in the works for this young man. It is sure to be an exciting time for all spinal cord injury patients, the State of Alabama , and for the Nation!
Until then, TJ has asked that I extend his sincere appreciation for all of the support and prayers that have been lifted up to him and his family. He feels blessed beyond measure to have each of you in his life, and so do I! Good night, everyone. Much love, ~ Tory
 |
| Third from left, Senator Keahey shares with the group his desire to make spinal cord injury research a priority in Alabama. |
For those of you who know TJ, Roman, and Senator Keahey, you understand the meaning behind my words, A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT. Indeed these gentlemen pour their hearts and souls into everything they do, so it will definitely be an event you will want to follow closely.
Please understand that I do not want to disclose any more information about this announcement, because TJ has waited months to share this exciting news with you; it is not my place to say or do anything to jeopardize this moment for him, I simply want to make people aware that something BIG is in the works for this young man. It is sure to be an exciting time for all spinal cord injury patients, the State of Alabama , and for the Nation!
Until then, TJ has asked that I extend his sincere appreciation for all of the support and prayers that have been lifted up to him and his family. He feels blessed beyond measure to have each of you in his life, and so do I! Good night, everyone. Much love, ~ Tory
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Enduring Faith!
Last year at this time, my entire life was being turned upside down - my marriage of eleven years was falling apart and I was drowning in the fear of how I would raise four children on my own. What kept me from slipping into a depression or questioning Why me?
My faith in God, a wonderful support group of family and friends, and a young man named TJ Atchison got me through this major life crisis!!!
A few months earlier I sat by TJ's bedside at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, reduced to tears by the circumstances of his spinal cord injury. For over three hours, I fought an emotional meltdown because I could not imagine this young man in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. How was he holding himself together so strong?
Even going through such a time of uncertainty, peace seemed almost unnatural considering the hugeness of what he was experiencing. He was not in denial. TJ was holding tight to a peace that could only come from God. He had witnessed years of God's work in his family - a grandfather who had danced with death more than once, and a young cousin living each day to its fullest after being diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
Yes, life was certainly trying to wear me down, but after spending time with TJ and his incredible family, I was able to see that God would provide for and keep my family strong through everyday trials and tribulations. I'd seen firshand that "We also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance." (Romans 5:3)
With many of us wondering what 2012 will bring, I want you to know that enduring faith can help you for when and not if life tries to wear you down. Read here to learn more about TJ's faith and his Whispers to Heaven:
Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and blessed New Year, everyone!!! Much Love, Tory
My faith in God, a wonderful support group of family and friends, and a young man named TJ Atchison got me through this major life crisis!!!
A few months earlier I sat by TJ's bedside at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, reduced to tears by the circumstances of his spinal cord injury. For over three hours, I fought an emotional meltdown because I could not imagine this young man in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. How was he holding himself together so strong?
Even going through such a time of uncertainty, peace seemed almost unnatural considering the hugeness of what he was experiencing. He was not in denial. TJ was holding tight to a peace that could only come from God. He had witnessed years of God's work in his family - a grandfather who had danced with death more than once, and a young cousin living each day to its fullest after being diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
Yes, life was certainly trying to wear me down, but after spending time with TJ and his incredible family, I was able to see that God would provide for and keep my family strong through everyday trials and tribulations. I'd seen firshand that "We also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance." (Romans 5:3)
With many of us wondering what 2012 will bring, I want you to know that enduring faith can help you for when and not if life tries to wear you down. Read here to learn more about TJ's faith and his Whispers to Heaven:
Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and blessed New Year, everyone!!! Much Love, Tory
Thursday, December 8, 2011
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Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Take Everything In Stride!
When news broke last Monday of Geron Corporation's decision to halt the world's first clinical trial using human embryonic stem cells, many in the stem cell community - patients, scientists, advocates - wondered how TJ Atchison would respond to the announcement.
Being the first to heroically and courageously volunteer for the trial, many feared TJ would be devastated and give up hope that a cure for his condition was possible. It was indeed a time of uncertainty for the twenty-two-year-old, considering he had been told the only reason the trial would be placed on hold was if a serious adverse event occurred with any of the patients injected with the cells.
However, in keeping with his belief that everything happens for a reason, TJ prayed this was a temporary setback, and felt certain another company would pick up where Geron had left off. "Once you've been through what I have (being paralyzed at the age of twenty-one), you can deal with just about anything - even the challenge of waiting for a clinical trial to resume," he stated. "I've learned to take everything in stride."
There are now five patients enrolled in the GRNOPC1 trial, the latest participant agreed to the procedure even knowing the biotech company would soon discontinue further developments of it's stem cell programs and focus solely on their novel cancer program.
Just two days before Geron's Press Release, TJ and Senator Marc Keahey (D-AL) met with close friend and patient advocate Roman Reed to discuss the importance of funding for spinal cord injury research in America. TJ knew if the treatment posed no safety risks to humans, then it must be funding that led to Geron's decision to halt the trial.
Without hesitation, TJ picked up his phone and dialed Roman's number - it was this moment when he took ownership of being the first human candidate for hESC therapy. He went from being a participant to becomming a leading patient advocate for stem cell research.
After bouncing around ideas with Roman for over an hour, the two created a plan of partnership for raising awareness and funding for spinal cord injury research in America. For TJ's family and friends watching in the distance, it was remarkable to see him turn such a negative event into something extraordinaire. The confidence in his voice and determination in his eyes was stronger than we had ever seen before.
As I looked on, I couldn't help but think how incredibly strong TJ and his mission had become. Many of you reading will agree that stories of inspiration usually include a remarkable twist - a moment when the main character experiences a life-changing event and becomes a stronger person for it. For TJ Atchison, the events of November 14, 2011 certainly pushed him in a direction he never imagined.
Looking ahead to 2012, he is very excited to begin this new chapter in his life. He asks that you keep a close eye on Head in the Clouds, because your participation is necessary to make this a success!
In closing, I'd like to add that during this time of Thanksgiving, let's be thankful for all that we have - health, family, friends - and give of our time and energy to help the paralyzed back to health and on their feet in 2012. Much love, Tory
Being the first to heroically and courageously volunteer for the trial, many feared TJ would be devastated and give up hope that a cure for his condition was possible. It was indeed a time of uncertainty for the twenty-two-year-old, considering he had been told the only reason the trial would be placed on hold was if a serious adverse event occurred with any of the patients injected with the cells.
However, in keeping with his belief that everything happens for a reason, TJ prayed this was a temporary setback, and felt certain another company would pick up where Geron had left off. "Once you've been through what I have (being paralyzed at the age of twenty-one), you can deal with just about anything - even the challenge of waiting for a clinical trial to resume," he stated. "I've learned to take everything in stride."
There are now five patients enrolled in the GRNOPC1 trial, the latest participant agreed to the procedure even knowing the biotech company would soon discontinue further developments of it's stem cell programs and focus solely on their novel cancer program.
Just two days before Geron's Press Release, TJ and Senator Marc Keahey (D-AL) met with close friend and patient advocate Roman Reed to discuss the importance of funding for spinal cord injury research in America. TJ knew if the treatment posed no safety risks to humans, then it must be funding that led to Geron's decision to halt the trial.
Without hesitation, TJ picked up his phone and dialed Roman's number - it was this moment when he took ownership of being the first human candidate for hESC therapy. He went from being a participant to becomming a leading patient advocate for stem cell research.
Nov. 19, 2011, TJ (first player from left) posing with his team, the Univ. of Southern Mississippi TLC Golden Eagles, in Gulfport, MS. The Golden Eagles defeated New Orleans with a final score of 43-38.
As I looked on, I couldn't help but think how incredibly strong TJ and his mission had become. Many of you reading will agree that stories of inspiration usually include a remarkable twist - a moment when the main character experiences a life-changing event and becomes a stronger person for it. For TJ Atchison, the events of November 14, 2011 certainly pushed him in a direction he never imagined.
Looking ahead to 2012, he is very excited to begin this new chapter in his life. He asks that you keep a close eye on Head in the Clouds, because your participation is necessary to make this a success!
In closing, I'd like to add that during this time of Thanksgiving, let's be thankful for all that we have - health, family, friends - and give of our time and energy to help the paralyzed back to health and on their feet in 2012. Much love, Tory
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Spreading the Stem Cell Message
Several weeks back when I visited Roman Reed, President and Founder of the Roman Reed Foundation in California, he mentioned that he would like to travel to Alabama to meet the world's first stem cell candidate, TJ Atchison, in person. Roman, a football player at heart, a patient advocate by calling, a political leader by choice, has spent over a decade of his life in a wheelchair, advocating on Capitol Hill for a human clinical trial of this nature to begin. So when I called him a week later and told him that TJ would be thrilled to meet him over Veteran's Day Holiday, Roman immediately made arrangements to travel over 2000 miles to Chatom, Alabama for a three-day visit with TJ and his family.
The closer it got to Roman's and TJ's special meeting, the advocate spirit of Roman came shining through when he asked if any state legislators might be interested in joining he and TJ for dinner one evening. Wherever Roman goes, he is never afraid or bashful to spread the word about stem cell therapy and how it can rid the world of disease and disability.
The idea of introducing Roman to our representatives had already crossed my mind. In fact, Senator Marc Keahey (D-AL) and I had spoken on several occasions about the hot topic issue of embryonic stem cell research and the clinical trial in which TJ had participated in.
Senator Keahey, a conservative Southern Baptist from Grove Hill, was very interested in learning more about the stem cells used in TJ's therapy. Being a ProLife supporter and father of three young children, he wanted to learn more in order to take a stance one way or the other on the controversial issue.
After coordinating dates and times between TJ, Senator Keahey and Roman, we determined a time and location to meet, and the rest is now history.
Last night, a small group of ten individuals including TJ Atchison, his mother and stepfather - Mr. and Mrs. Carey McDonald, Roman Reed, Senator Marc Keahey, myself, my mother - Glenda Armstrong, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Blackwell, and Bonnie Blackwell, gathered for dinner at Casanova's Rendezvous in Chatom, Alabama to discuss stem cell research and ways to encourage funding in our state for this novel therapy.
The closer it got to Roman's and TJ's special meeting, the advocate spirit of Roman came shining through when he asked if any state legislators might be interested in joining he and TJ for dinner one evening. Wherever Roman goes, he is never afraid or bashful to spread the word about stem cell therapy and how it can rid the world of disease and disability.
The idea of introducing Roman to our representatives had already crossed my mind. In fact, Senator Marc Keahey (D-AL) and I had spoken on several occasions about the hot topic issue of embryonic stem cell research and the clinical trial in which TJ had participated in.
Senator Keahey, a conservative Southern Baptist from Grove Hill, was very interested in learning more about the stem cells used in TJ's therapy. Being a ProLife supporter and father of three young children, he wanted to learn more in order to take a stance one way or the other on the controversial issue.
After coordinating dates and times between TJ, Senator Keahey and Roman, we determined a time and location to meet, and the rest is now history.
Last night, a small group of ten individuals including TJ Atchison, his mother and stepfather - Mr. and Mrs. Carey McDonald, Roman Reed, Senator Marc Keahey, myself, my mother - Glenda Armstrong, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Blackwell, and Bonnie Blackwell, gathered for dinner at Casanova's Rendezvous in Chatom, Alabama to discuss stem cell research and ways to encourage funding in our state for this novel therapy.
From left: TJ Atchison, Roman Reed, Senator Marc Keahey, and myself enjoying conversation with one another before the rest of our group arrived.
Roman (center) with a warm smile on his face as he shares a photo with Senator Keahey of Gwendolyn Strong, 4-year-old SMA patient from California, who has inspired him to find a cure for other malfunctions and diseases of the central nervous system.
SMA is a terminal, degenerative genetic disease that impacts the voluntary muscles in infants and children, including the ability to walk, sit, stand, eat, breathe, and even swallow, while cognitive ability is never affected. Ninety percent of children born with SMA die before the age of two. One in every 40 people or nearly 175 Million globally unknowingly carry the gene responsible for SMA. There is currently no treatment or cure and although SMA research is underfunded, it is extremely advanced. For more information about Gwendolyn or SMA, please visit the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation website at http://thegsf.org/.
TJ explaining to Roman and Senator Keahey how he made the decision to participate in Geron's stem cell clinical trial.
From left: TJ Atchison, my mother and best proofreader in the world - Glenda Armstrong, Roman Reed and Senator Marc Keahey
Roman took time to explain recent advances in stem cell research and answered questions from Senator Keahey regarding the importance of federal funding for this unique therapy.
Front row: Bonnie Blackwell, Roman Reed, TJ Atchison. Back row: Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Blackwell, myself, Anita and Carey McDonald.
From left: myself, Bonnie Blackwell, Roman Reed, TJ Atchison.
Three of my four children saying goodbye to Roman Reed before he made the trip back to California this morning. From left: Carlie, Roman, Conner and Courtney.
Goodbye for now to a great friend and remarkable person, Roman Reed!
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