Congressman Brad Miller will host a roundtable discussion about stem cell research in Raleigh this week.

President Obama’s lifting of a more than eight-year ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research gives new hope to people suffering from debilitating or potentially debilitating diseases, according to a statement released from Miller’s office Monday. 

From his release:

“The Congressman will be talking to research experts, advocates and families about their ideas and concerns as research moves forward once again. Miller has been a strong advocate for scientists who want to do their jobs, free from political influence.

“As Chairman of the Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee on the House Science Committee, he has held hearings on the manipulation, suppression and distortion of research. He values the thoughts and insights of those invited to the roundtable as it relates to embryonic stem cell research and/or other important medical research.”

Roundtable participants include: Elaine Abrams, widow of Dr. Murray Abrams who died from ALS; David Gerber, Division of Transplantation Chief, Department of Surgery, UNC; N.C. Rep. Jim Gulley, Parkinson’s patient; Reece Jenkins, Parkinson’s Action Network; Cindy Heydary, Juvenile Diabetes; Nancy Shulby, Raleigh area parent of diabetic child; Mike Conrad, Piedmont Triad Chapter Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; Barbara and Stuart Teichman, Hadassah; Abby Carter, Easter Chapter MS Society; and others

The roundtable will take place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Rex Hospital, Executive Board Room, 4420 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh.