My husband Steve, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and I were both born in Illinois, raised in the Midwest. We enjoy raising our daughter and son in Batavia where they can be close to our large extended family.

I came to public service through a stem cell cord blood issue.  Our son was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and we were able to find a doctor at Duke University that agreed to utilize his own cord blood stem cells to treat his condition.  His results were greater than we ever hoped for and I wanted to help others eligible for this life altering treatment and get the word out.  I continue to council parents about seeking this treatment for their child (20+ and counting) by explaining the procedure and process from a parents prospective. One of my greatest joys is to see their accomplishments. To read more on the treatment in an informative Q&A please click here.

While delivering bi-partisan speeches about the treatment on Capitol Hill,  I worked with Senators Obama, Durbin and others to help bring some balance and information to the Senate floor on one of the most hot button issues of our time - Stem cells.  After meeting with President Bush on the issue, to let him know that my son’s treatment was limited and only spoke to the possibilities that expanded research could bring, I sadly witnessed his first veto.

Returning from Capitol Hill, I proceeded to propose, assist in drafting and passing the Illinois Cord Blood Banking Bill (SB0019) receiving bi-partisan majority support in both the house and the senate.  The bill basically provides oversight and regulation in Illinois with the National Cord Blood Bank.  All of my work and efforts outlined above were/are done voluntarily and without compensation.

My hope is that you, the voter, will see the value of this hard work.  How it outlines my commitment to help others without personal interests clouding the view.  Here at home in Batavia, I am proud to have been the Parent Teacher Organization President at my children’s school and a current member of the Batavia Inter-school Council.