Sixth-grader's essay personalizes benefits of adult stem cells

Published: 2007-03-19

SPARTA, N.J. (CNS) -- In a recent essay on stem cells, 12-year-old Erik Massenzio managed to make the church's teaching crystal clear: embryonic stem-cell use is morally unacceptable, while adult stem-cell use is acceptable and is saving lives now. The sixth-grader was writing from personal experience in "Adult Stem Cells Saved My Mom's Life," which took first place this year in a writing contest sponsored by the Respect Life Committee at Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Sparta. Two years ago, Erik's mother, Hedy, was diagnosed with leukemia. The outlook appeared bleak for her. But through an adult stem-cell transplant, which the young student describes in his essay, his mother was healed. Today, Hedy Massenzio is cancer-free. Erik said he "knew right away what to write about" when he and his schoolmates in grades 6-8 at Rev. George Brown School in Sparta were asked to write an essay on "How could a compassionate Catholic be against embryonic stem-cell research and yet support adult stem-cell research?" He said, "It was my mom that inspired me to write this essay."

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