1. What was the prognosis for 2-year-old Hannah Warren before she had the stem cell operation?

2. How much progress has Hannah made since the the operation on April 9th?

3. How did doctors make a new windpipe for Hannah?

4. a) What other body parts have scientists made from patients' own stem cells?
b) What do doctors hope to be able to create in the future using stem cells? --How does Hannah's windpipe success inspire them?

5. St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria waived the cost for Hannah's treatment/surgery. Besides fulfilling its mission to provide charity care, what additional reason did the hospital have for providing this treatment that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars?

6. How does this news story inspire you?

7. How important is it to you for the media to provide thorough coverage on this type of scientific miracle? Explain your answer.

CHALLENGE:  Read the "Background" below about the use of adult stem cells vs. the use of embryonic stem cells.  Visit the website and watch the news report under "Resources."  President Obama has actively funded researchers using embryonic stem cells in their attempts to treat diseases.  Do you think taxpayer dollars should fund this controversial research (embryonic stem cell research)?  Explain your answer.