Mixed emotions for newest CIRM governing board member

Diane Winokur being sworn in by Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom

Diane Winokur said being sworn in as the newest member of our Governing Board, the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee (ICOC) was a day of very mixed emotions. Diane is the patient advocate representative for the ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and Multiple Sclerosis communities. She says while she is proud and honored to be part of the stem cell agency’s mission, she knows she only became involved in the search for cures because she lost two sons to ALS. She says the memory of her sons is with her in everything she does.

Diane was sworn in on Wednesday, January 16th by Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, who appointed her to the ICOC late last year. The Lt. Governor praised her for her compassion, dedication and determination and said she would make an incredible contribution to the work of the agency.

Diane says she is very mindful of the fact that while she is the patient advocate for ALS and MS, she has a responsibility to represent all patients and patient advocates in California, and intends to give a voice to those who are too often overlooked.

We are honored and delighted to have Diane join us.

We have more information about the other members of our governing board on our website, along with information about our funding for ALS and MS.

K.M.