Posted on Dec. 10: One-night gala supports dream lab for ground-breaking research

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/laurie_doering.jpg” caption=”Laurie Doering”]McMaster stem cell researcher Laurie Doering was honored last night at a one-night only cryogenic stem cell lab, at the residence of His Excellency Haim Divon, ambassador of the State of Israel to Canada.

At the lab, guests viewed brain cells under a $125,000 high-power microscope, sipped martinis amidst state-of-the-art lab equipment and witnessed the instant freezing and shattering of martini-bound fruit every time a donation in the fight against Parkinson's was made.

The event was presented by Ottawa's Thomas C. Assaly Foundation, whose founder was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Assaly announced at the event that he is making the largest-ever private donation to Parkinson's research in McMaster University's history.

In an effort to encourage other guests to donate towards a dream-lab for Doering's ground-breaking research, nearly every piece of equipment essential for his work was set-up and on display. After learning about the role that each device plays, guests filled out 'wish list' cards to help purchase the equipment for Doering's lab.

“Parkinson's Disease is the neurological disorder most likely to benefit from cell therapy and transplantation techniques,” said Doering. “My hope is that this amazing evening provides guests with an opportunity to learn why that is the case, and to see first-hand the equipment that can help bring a treatment for Parkinson's in the near future. My findings indicate a positive outlook and The Thomas C. Assaly Foundation has done an outstanding job in aggressively funding this important work.”

Doering's research is world-renowned, and unique. Unlike most in the field, he has been extensively trained in the three key areas (nervous system development/disease, tissue culture, and neurotransplantation) required to understand and to move cell therapy from the laboratory to the patient.

“I visited numerous research laboratories and looked for the most forward-thinking, hands-on researcher I could find,” said Thomas C. Assaly. “I am very pleased to have found Dr. Doering and to have been introduced to his unique capabilities. He is truly one of Canada's best kept secrets.”

Doering has spent more than 25 years researching cell therapy, and is credited as one of the first researchers in the world to successfully transplant cultured brain cells into the central nervous system. Since joining McMaster University in 1987, his research as associate professor of pathology and molecular medicine has been focused on the cultivation and transplantation of neural cells as a possible treatment for Parkinson's Disease.