The Pregnancy Care Clinic will have a dessert banquet this weekend and host an expert credited with discovering adult cardiac-derived stem cells.

Theresa Deisher, Ph.D., will give a talk titled, “Ending Human Trafficking in Biomedical Research.” The event begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the South Whidbey Assembly of God Church, 5373 Maxwelton Road.

Deisher’s career has focused on discovering and developing new therapies for grievous human illness. She obtained her doctorate in molecular and cellular physiology from Stanford University and has spent over 19 years in commercial biotechnology, working with companies such as Genentech, Repligen, ZymoGenetics, Immunex and Amgen, prior to founding AVM Biotechnology and Sound Choice Pharmaceutical Institute.

Deisher is also an inventor on 23 issued U.S. patents, and her discoveries have led to clinical trials of FGF18 for osteoarthritis and cartilage repair, and of Factor XIII for surgical bleeding.

According to an event release, Deisher was the first person to discover adult cardiac-derived stem cells, and has been a champion of adult stem cell research for two decades. Deisher is a plaintiff in the U.S. federal lawsuit to prohibit the use of federal taxpayer dollars for embryo destructive research.

Complimentary light hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be served at the banquet. Registration requested; call 360-675-2096.