Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter - May Issue
In This Issue:
NEW MS AWARENESS ITEMS
ARE YOUR DRUG COSTS GOING UP?
CAREER ADVICE JUST FOR PEOPLE WITH MS
GOT A CREATIVE SPIRIT?
ARE YOU HEAT SENSITIVE?
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1. NEW MS AWARENESS ITEMS
New MS Awareness Items Now Available
Just In Time For Summer Fun
Flip-Flops, Sunglasses, T-Shirts & More
To Get Your New MS Awareness Items Visit Us At:
Link: http://www.msmagnet.org
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2. ARE YOUR DRUG COSTS GOING UP?
ARE YOUR DRUG COSTS GOING UP?
Many people with Medicare are paying more for expensive medications,
and out-of-pocket costs could be on the rise for those with other
types
of insurance, as well.
According to Avalere Health, a company that researches healthcare
issues, most Medicare health plans now have created separate
categories for
the priciest drugs.
Because the categories are in addition to the more familiar three
tier
co-pay system, where people pay set costs for generic, preferred and
non-preferred drugs, they are called Tier 4. Some plans also have a
Tier
5.
People on the plans who take Tier 4 or 5 drugs are charged a
percentage
of their cost. Some specialty medications may cost more than $600 a
month as a result, according to Avalere Health.
The changes are hitting people with chronic diseases, including MS,
according to Avalere Health.
"Health plans are trying to balance competing demands of access to
medications and low cost, but the result is that patients with
serious
illnesses are paying more," said its president, Dan Mendelson, in a
statement Tuesday.
The change already has moved beyond Medicare. Avalere Health
estimates
about 10 percent of commercial health care plans also now require
people to pay a percentage for some of the costliest drugs.
The New York Times reported on the trend this week, finding some
already are faced with thousands of dollars in drug costs due to the
change.
WE ALSO HAVE ADDED A NEW SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE - MEDS & RESOURCES -
HELPFUL INFORMATION ON FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS TO HELP WITH YOUR
MEDICATION COSTS.....
Link: http://msmagnet.org/MEDS_AND_RESOURCES.html
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3. CAREER ADVICE JUST FOR PEOPLE WITH MS
CAREER ADVICE JUST FOR PEOPLE WITH MS
A new Web site brings together workplace advice and job listings, all
tailored to people with MS.
MS Workplace showcases jobs available from the career site Monster,
as
well as advice about working with MS provided by the Multiple
Sclerosis
Society.
The site features a place for job seekers to post resumes and advice
for employers who want to know how to support the needs of workers
with
MS. Job seeker's health information is not revealed to potential
employers, but Monster will make a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis
Society
for each resume that gets posted through the site.
Biogen Idec and Elan also are partners in MS Workplace. For more
information, visit:
Link: http://www.msworkplace.com
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4. GOT A CREATIVE SPIRIT?
GOT A CREATIVE SPIRIT?
Whether you are a writer, dancer, singer, painter or actor, VSA arts
is
for you.
VSA arts is an international, nonprofit organization that strives to
create a society where all people with disabilities can participate
in,
learn through, and enjoy the arts. VSA arts promotes increased access
to
the arts and showcases the accomplishments of artists with
disabilities.
The Creative Spirit is the official magazine of VSA arts. Published
quarterly, the publication highlights the latest news, upcoming
events,
competitions and contests, and accomplishments of VSA arts and its
affiliates across the country and around the world. To receive The
Creative
Spirit, visit:
Link: http://www.vsarts.org
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5. ARE YOU HEAT SENSITIVE?
ARE YOU HEAT SENSITIVE?
Many people with MS experience weakness, fatigue, visual
disturbances,
and other symptoms when they become overheated. The MSF Cooling
Program
offers a variety of items, free of charge, including cooling vests
and
accessories, to help with heat-sensitivity. Applications are accepted
through June 1st. Applications can be submitted online at
www.msfocus.org or via postal mail. The 2009 program begins on
February 1, 2009. For
more information, call 888-MSFOCUS (673-6287).
Link: http://www.msfocus.org
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HELP RAISE MS AWARENESS ~ FIGHT FOR A CURE
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month March 2008
MS Awareness Month Is Here - How Will You Spread Awareness?
Below Are Some Ideas To Help You Spread Awareness Of The Monster We
Call MS During The Month Of March....................
Bring Recognition Of This Disease To The Eye Of The Public
There Are Many Signifiers In The Public For Well Known Diseases Such
As Breast Cancer and Heart Health - But Do You Ever See Anything For
MS? Do Your Part To Bring Awareness Into The Public Eye For MS And
Take One Step Closer To A Cure
To Learn More and Get You MS Awareness Items...........
Visit: www.msmagnet.org
Learn All You Can About The Disease We Call Multiple Sclerosis
For A Listing Of FREE Teleconferences You Can Listen To During The
Month Of March (Learn & Educate Others)
Visit: www.msmagnet.org
DO YOU KNOW AN MS HERO?
In honor of National MS Education & Awareness Month®, the MSF is
accepting nominations for the National MS Hero Awards. The grand
prize winner will receive passage for two aboard the 2009 MSF Cruise
for a Cause®! (Airfare not included). Deadline for entries is March
31st, 2008.
Five categories include:
* a person diagnosed with MS
* a person who cares for someone with MS
* a family member or friend who helps someone with MS in any capacity
who is not the primary caregiver
* a person who takes personal or political action on behalf of the MS
community
* a healthcare professional who serves individuals with MS
Prizes will be awarded in each category and winners will be featured
in MSFocus, the national, quarterly publication of the MSF.
Applications are available at http://www.msfocus.org/heroapp.pdf, in
the winter issue of MSFocus, or by calling 1-888-MSFOCUS (673-6287).
Now Is The Time To Do Your Part And Help Spread Awareness About MS
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS HOLIDAY CARDS ARE HERE!!!
Only $5.00 for a package of 6 cards. Proceeds from the sale of the MS
Holiday Cards benefit the programs and services the MSF provides for
persons with Multiple Sclerosis. To learn more and get your MS Holiday
Cards visit: www.msmagnet.org
WE HAVE A NEW AWARENESS COLOR FOR MS.......ORANGE!!!
To learn more about the announcement made by the NMSS about the new
color orange visit the announcement page at:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?
pagename=HOM_NEWS_nmss_newlaunch
TO PURCHASE YOUR NEW ORANGE MS AWARENESS ITEMS VISIT:
www.msmagnet.org
When one door of happiness closes another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us. Helen Keller
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Fri, 15 Dec 2006 18:41:35 -0500 (Eastern Standard Time) Subject: [Servants Of Grace Christian Fellowship] READ IMMEDIATELY- - virus warning
Dear warriors:
I checked snopes.com and this is for real..
Get this sent around to your contacts ASAP...we don't need this spreading around.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CONTACTS:
You should be alert during the next days:
Do not open any message with an attached filed called "Invitation" regardless of who sent it, It is a virus that opens an Olympic Torch which "burns" the whole hard disc C of your computer.
This virus will be received from someone who has your e-mail address in his/her contact list, that is why you should send this e-mail to all your contacts. It is better to receive this message 25 times than to receive the
virus and open it.
If you receive a mail called "invitation" , though sent by a friend, do not open it and shut down your computer immediately. This is the worst virus announced by CNN, it has been classified by Microsoft as the mostdestructive virus ever.
This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday, and there is no repair yet for this kind of virus. This virus simply destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Disc, where the vital information is kept
SEND THIS E-MAIL TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW ,
COPY THIS E-MAIL AND SEND! IT TO YOUR FRIENDS
AND REMEMBER: IF YOU SEND IT TO THEM, YOU WILL BENEFIT ALL OF US
JWBalmer. Making waves so others have a place to go surfing.
__________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
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Fri, 15 Dec 2006 18:41:35 -0500 (Eastern Standard Time) Subject: [Servants Of Grace Christian Fellowship] READ IMMEDIATELY- - virus warning
Dear warriors:
I checked snopes.com
and this is for real..
Get this sent around to your contacts ASAP...we don't need this spreading around.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CONTACTS:
You should be alert during the next days:
Do not open any message with an attached filed called "Invitation" regardless of who sent it, It is a virus that opens an Olympic Torch which "burns" the whole hard disc C of your computer.
This virus will be received from someone who has your e-mail address in his/her contact list, that is why you should send this e-mail to all your contacts. It is better to receive this message 25 times than to receive the virus and open it.
If you receive a mail called "invitation" , though sent by a friend, do not open it and shut down your computer immediately. This is the worst virus announced by CNN, it has been classified by Microsoft as the mostdestructive virus ever.
This virus was
discovered by McAfee yesterday, and there is no repair yet for this kind of virus. This virus simply destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Disc, where the vital information is kept
SEND THIS E-MAIL TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW ,
COPY THIS E-MAIL AND SEND! IT TO YOUR FRIENDS
AND REMEMBER: IF YOU SEND IT TO THEM, YOU WILL BENEFIT ALL OF US
JWBalmer. Making waves so others have a place to go surfing.
__________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Fri, 15 Dec 2006 18:41:35 -0500 (Eastern Standard Time)
Subject: [Servants Of Grace Christian Fellowship] READ IMMEDIATELY- -
virus warning
Dear warriors:
I checked snopes.com and this is for real..
Get this sent around to your contacts ASAP...we don't need this
spreading around.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CONTACTS:
You should be alert during the next days:
Do not open any message with an attached filed called "Invitation"
regardless of who sent it, It is a virus that opens an Olympic Torch
which "burns" the whole hard disc C of your computer.
This virus will be received from someone who has your e-mail address
in his/her contact list, that is why you should send this e-mail to
all your contacts. It is better to receive this message 25 times than
to receive the virus and open it.
If you receive a mail called "invitation" , though sent by a friend,
do not open it and shut down your computer immediately. This is the
worst virus announced by CNN, it has been classified by Microsoft as
the mostdestructive virus ever.
This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday, and there is no repair
yet for this kind of virus. This virus simply destroys the Zero
Sector of the Hard Disc, where the vital information is kept
SEND THIS E-MAIL TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW ,
COPY THIS E-MAIL AND SEND! IT TO YOUR FRIENDS
AND REMEMBER: IF YOU SEND IT TO THEM, YOU WILL BENEFIT ALL OF US
>
> TO A KEEPER!!!
>
>
> ¸...¸ __/ /\____
> ,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/\
> ```)¨(´´´ | | [1] | | [1]| | |[1] || |l±±±±
> ¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
>
> One day someone's parent died.
> And on that clear, cold morning,
> in the warmth of her bedroom,
> the daughter was struck with
> the pain of learning that sometimes
> there isn't any more.
>
> No more hugs,
> no more lucky moments to celebrate together,
> no more phone calls just to chat,
> no more "just one minute."
>
> Sometimes, what we care about the most goes away.
> never to return before we can say good-bye,
> say "I Love You!"
>
> ¸...¸ __/ /\____
> ,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/\
> ```)¨(´´´ | | [1] | | [1]| | |[1] || |l±±±±
> ¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
> So while we have it . . it's best we love it . .
> and care for it and fix it when it's broken . .
> and take good care of it when it's sick.
>
> This is true for marriage .... and friendships ...
>
> And children with bad report cards! ;
> And dogs with bad hips;
> And brothers or sisters who have caused us problems;
> And aging parents and grandparents.
> We keep them because they are worth it,
> because we cherish them!
>
>
> ¸..¸ __/ /\____
> ,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/\
> ```)¨(´´´ | | [1] | | [1]| | |[1] || |l±±±±
> ¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
> Life is important,
> and so are the people we know . .
> and so,we keep them close!
>
> ¸...¸ __/ /\____
> ,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/\
> ```)¨(´´´ | | [1] | | [1]| | |[1] || |l±±±±
> ¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
> I received this from someone today
> who thought I was a 'KEEPER'!
> Then I sent It to the people
> I think of in the same way!
>
> Now it's your turn to send this to all those people
> who are "keepers" in your life!!
>
> ¸...¸ __/ /\____
> ,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/\
> ```)¨(´´´ | | [1] | | [1]| | |[1] || |l±±±±
> ¸,.-! ·²°´ ¸, -·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
>
> Thank you very much
> For being a special part of MY Life!
>
> ¸...¸ __/ /\____
> ,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/\
> ```)¨(´´´ | | [1] | | [1]| | |[1] || |l±±±±
> ¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
>
>
> YOU ARE A KEEPER!!
>
>
> "Life moves pretty fast.
> If you don't stop and look around once in awhile,
> you could miss it."
>
>
Hi ya John!
Sorry Ive been MIA for so long...LOTS of changes in my life this year.
Ive moved to San Diego, CA and so much is going on....Im finally
settled and getting caught up on things...sooooooo Im checking in and
I just approved a member! yeah! I can still do it!
I hope all is well on your end!
xoxo
dawn
Hello Barb,
Thank you for your interest in my efforts for MS! I will be back
traveling the waterways October, 4 , 2006 starting in Loudonville,
Ohio heading to Houston for the winter and then up to Montana for
the summer. I just finished a new map route you can see at
http://www.fightingms.org/map.html
This time out I will have an online blog which will make it possible
to do telephone updates.
Thank you so much for your prayers it means a lot.
John
--- In fightingms1@yahoogroups.com, "Barb" <rosa1@...> wrote:
>
> I have been busy for some time and just last night got around to
> updating my notebook of your travels for my "yadda club" (a group
of 8
> of us that meet once a month)and are coming tomorrow to visit me.
They
> always like to pass the notebook around to take home to read about
your
> latest trips because some of them have traveled on the Tom Bigby
and
> other Rivers.
> Well.....when I sent my 2 e-mails I was having trouble copying
them and
> had not read them yet. I was still back in April! It was about 2
A.M.
> when I got to Aug 15th. I was so shocked at the quickness that
things
> happen, but I really have been scared about you so many times all
alone
> out there. There are NO COINCIDENCES. I want you to take that to
> heart. God has other plans for you and your family. It may be in
a
> whole different direction than you think.
> We have all enjoyed your trips and hearing of your efforts for
MS.
> Most of all we appreciate all you've done.
> Take some time to listen......... I know you know what I mean.
> My prayers are with you.
> Thanks for everything and I hope you will keep us updated and I
promise
> to check a little more often.
> Barb
>
I have been busy for some time and just last night got around to
updating my notebook of your travels for my "yadda club" (a group of 8
of us that meet once a month)and are coming tomorrow to visit me. They
always like to pass the notebook around to take home to read about your
latest trips because some of them have traveled on the Tom Bigby and
other Rivers.
Well.....when I sent my 2 e-mails I was having trouble copying them and
had not read them yet. I was still back in April! It was about 2 A.M.
when I got to Aug 15th. I was so shocked at the quickness that things
happen, but I really have been scared about you so many times all alone
out there. There are NO COINCIDENCES. I want you to take that to
heart. God has other plans for you and your family. It may be in a
whole different direction than you think.
We have all enjoyed your trips and hearing of your efforts for MS.
Most of all we appreciate all you've done.
Take some time to listen......... I know you know what I mean.
My prayers are with you.
Thanks for everything and I hope you will keep us updated and I promise
to check a little more often.
Barb
--- In fightingms1@yahoogroups.com, "Barb" <rosa1@...> wrote:
>
> --- In fightingms1@yahoogroups.com, "John latecki Jr" <john@> wrote:
> >
> > http://www.fightingms.org/updates.html
> >
> It's been awhile since I logged in to check about John's progress.
Now
> I can't get any of his e-mails to load? Things look different since
> last August. What am I doing wrong?
> Barb McCarthy
> Cincinnati
>
Nevermind-----------I don't know if I should blame the MS bird brain or
old age. I figured it out!!!!!!!!!
--- In fightingms1@yahoogroups.com, "John latecki Jr" <john@...> wrote:
>
> http://www.fightingms.org/updates.html
>
It's been awhile since I logged in to check about John's progress. Now
I can't get any of his e-mails to load? Things look different since
last August. What am I doing wrong?
Barb McCarthy
Cincinnati
Hi John! What an inspiration to hear what great work you've done for MS.
Remember that sail you took with Reverend Dave Wood and Rose in Liverpool,
NY? Well, Dave and Rose got married last week, and have moved to Davenport
Ohio where Dave has a new congregation. Is Davenport anywhere near where
you live? Also glad to read that your Onondaga Yacht Club membership card
helped you out in Chicago. John, you have raised a tremendous amount of
awareness about MS on your travels. There's a big difference between
quitting a trip and reaching your destination, and maybe being back home
with Julie and your family is your destination...Jeff Freedman
>>> john@... 08/15/06 10:34 AM >>>
http://www.fightingms.org/
Multiple Sclerosis New Updates.....
MS Awareness Items Available.....
If you haven't visited our site lately please do. With the success
of the MS Awareness Magnets, we've designed T-Shirts, Hats, Mugs,
License Plate Holders & More. Every purchase raises awareness of
this disease & all proceeds will help the MS Foundation create a
brighter tomorrow for more people. We also still have the MS
Awareness Magnets Available - Get Yours Today: www.msmagnet.com
Visit Us Today At www.msmagnet.com
Specials for MS Awareness Items - $5 Off Coupon Available On Our
Website PLUS get $5 Flat Rate Shipping Offer On Up To 5 Items.
http://www.msmagnet.com
MS Cruise For A Cause.....
2007 MSF CRUISE FOR A CAUSE SCHEDULED!
The MSF Cruise for a Cause offers innovative, educational programs
at sea for individuals with MS. This fun-filled adventure provides
an opportunity to learn from
renowned MS specialists, forge friendships with others with MS,
enjoy an infinite number of amenities, and hear motivational
speakers, all aboard a luxury cruise ship!
This year, we will follow the waterways from Seattle, Washington to
Skagway, Alaska, known as the Inside Passage - 500 miles of crisp,
clean air and unparalleled natural wonders!Don't miss this seven-
night adventure, from June 8th through the 15th,
aboard Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas. Ports of call include
Juneau, Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord, Prince Rupert, British Columbia,
and Seattle, Washington! Passports required! For more information
call Fun Cruise & Travel toll-free at
888-826-9660, or log onto http://www.msfocus.org/programs_cruise.php
Bracelets 4 MS Hope.....
Bracelets are made with glass crystal and sterling silver beads.
When reflected by the light, the crystal bead reflects multiple
colors which represent the Multiple Symptoms of this disease.
Bracelets are made by Gayle - a former MSF grant recipient.
To order your bracelet visit http://www.bracelets4mshope.com
MS Awareness Holiday Cards.....
MS Holiday Cards are available again this year. We are currently
taking and shipping orders for the cards. If you wish to place an
order please visit our website.
Visit Us Today At www.msmagnet.com
Clearance Special: $9.00 For 12pk Of Cards OR $10.00 For Our Combo
Pack Of 12 Cards PLUS 1 MS Magnet.
http://www.msmagnet.com
Household and Personal Wellness for You and Your Family.....
Warning - Toxins In Our Home..... According to FDA statistics, 89%
of the 10,500 ingredients used in household & personal care products
have not been evaluated for safety by the Food and Drug
Administration. Products that we used everyday such as shampoo,
lotion, make-up and household cleaners contain ingredients that are
harmful to us. At the same time that untested chemicals have been
steadily introduced into our environment, an expanding body of
evidence has linked the pollutants and man-made chemicals in our
environment to a host of diseases.
To Learn More and How To Protect Your Family Visit:
www.melawellness.com
Or You Can View Further Information Posted On Our Website At:
www.msmagnet.com
http://www.melawellness.com
MS Foundation News.....
Honor Your Caregiver: Do you have an extra special caregiver?
Here's your chance to give back to that special someone who gives so
much to you! In honor on National Family Caregivers Month, November
2006, the MS Foundation is hosting its 5th annual MS Caregivers'
Night Out Contest. Winners will receive dinner for two at a
restaurant of their choice and publication of their story in the
Autumn issue of MSF. To nominate your caregiver, write and tell us
your story in 100 words or less. Submissions will be accepted from
July 15th thru September 1st. If you have any questions, please
call 1-888-673-6287.
Send your story today to homecare@... or to:
The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
6350 N. Andrews Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Can We Help You Have A Brighter Tomorrow: The Brighter Tomorrow
Grant Program strives to improve the quality of life for individuals
living with MS by fulfilling their request for goods or services
that will enhance their safety, self-sufficiency, comfort, or well-
being. Applications are confidential and will be reviewed by the
grant committee. The Brighter Tomorrow Grant is a wish-based
program and is not based solely on financial criteria. Applicants
are asked to provide basic personal and financial information, along
with a brief essay of 100 words or less, to describe their need and
how the grant might help them to have a brighter tomorrow. The
grant cycle runds from July 1st until October 1st inorder to be
considered by the grant committee, applications must be received
during these dates only.
Applications are now available on our website at
http://www.msfocus.org/programs_grants_bwmg_app.php Applications
will also arrive in the summer issue of MSFocus. Additional
applications can be obtained by calling 1-888-MSFOCUS.
No scientific discovery has EVER been found using EMBRYONIC stem
cells. Which are the only kind that the President is trying to ban.
Other forms of stem cell research has yielded results but not
embryonic. So the President is not getting in the way of science here.
Just trying not to waste our tax dollars on this form of research. He
has other ways to waste our tax dollars instead.
No, John. Most of the best research is done by University scientists who
receive federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Stem
cell research could eventually help Julie and others with genetic diseases.
The president should not stand in the way of scientific research that could
possibly help your sister and others...Jeff Freedman
>>> john@... 07/24/06 7:27 PM >>>
I agree with the president when it comes to embryo stem cells, there
are many other stem cells that can be used and remember this is just
the governments role. If a drug company wants to use embryo they can
this this is just about government funding.
Posted another quick update
http://www.fightingms.org/updates.html
John
I agree with the president when it comes to embryo stem cells, there
are many other stem cells that can be used and remember this is just
the governments role. If a drug company wants to use embryo they can
this this is just about government funding.
Posted another quick update
http://www.fightingms.org/updates.html
John
The U.S. Senate on Tuesday strongly backed bipartisan legislation to expand federally funded embryonic stem cell research, but President George W. Bush has vowed to veto the measure as morally indefensible.
The vote was 63-37, four short of the 67 that would be needed to overturn the veto that could come on Wednesday. All but one Democrat voted for the bill, while 19 Republicans backed it and 36 opposed it.
The House of Representatives has approved the bill but supporters there do not expect to have the two-thirds needed to override a veto either.
White House spokesman Tony Snow said the veto, Bush's first, would be "pretty swift."
"He is fulfilling a promise that he has long made and he is keeping it," Snow said.
The Senate also passed unanimously two related -- but less controversial -- bills which Bush planned to sign. The House quickly passed one of them, to block "fetus farming," or implanting a human embryo in a woman or animal for the purpose of harvesting cells or tissue.
But House Democrats blocked the second one which would promote research to obtain stem cells without destroying an embryo. That research is already being done and some Democrats said the legislation was merely political cover for Republicans who oppose the more far-reaching embryonic stem cell bill.
Embryonic stem cell research has been the center of an ethical and political maelstrom and has become an issue in several of this November's congressional races.
Advocates and scientists cite the immense promise that stem cells, identified less than a decade ago, hold for people with diabetes, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's and other illnesses.
STRONG PUBLIC SUPPORT
Opinion polls show strong public support for expanding federally backed embryonic stem cell research and disease advocacy groups have lobbied for it. Nancy Reagan, widow of former President Ronald Reagan who died of Alzheimer's, has sought support from fellow Republicans.
But Bush says it is unacceptable because extracting the stem cells, which have the potential to become any kind of organ or tissue cells, means the days-old embryo is destroyed.
"This is about the value of human life," said Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Rick Santorum (news, bio, voting record), a strong foe of the research who is in a tight election race. "It's very easy -- that little embryo doesn't have a pair of eyes, a hair color, it doesn't have a name. It's very easy to dismiss this entity as insignificant."
Supporters, led by Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Arlen Specter (news, bio, voting record) and Iowa Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin (news, bio, voting record), pointed out that the bill would permit research only on leftover embryos from fertility treatment that would otherwise be discarded.
"These embryos are never going to be babies," said California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein (news, bio, voting record). "Think of the lives the embryos might save someday. People paralyzed. Juvenile diabetes. Young people with Parkinson's disease who can't move, who have trouble speaking."
In 2001, Bush allowed federal funding on 78 stem cell lines then in existence, but most of those turned out to be of limited use to scientists who have pressed Congress to expand federally funded research.
"This is what our leading scientists have told us they want and need to move the field of stem cell research forward," said Utah Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch (news, bio, voting record), who like Bush opposes abortion rights but broke with the president on this issue.
With Republicans divided, stem cell research has become an issue in some congressional races this year and may play a role in the 2008 presidential contest.
Of the five Republican senators considering seeking the presidential nomination in 2008, three -- George Allen of Virginia, Sam Brownback of Kansas and Chuck Hagel of Nebraska -- voted against it. Two, John McCain of Arizona and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee, broke with Bush and supported expanding the research.