Jericho Fights the Battle of Stem Cells

Eric Yaverbaum , a New York PR executive whose wife is suffering from multiple sclerosis, is using his public relations acumen to start his own grass-roots campaign in support of stem cell research.

Yaverbaum is asking caretakers, patients and friends to send him their old shoes and notes (Jericho Communications, 304 Hudson St., Suite 700, New York, N.Y. 10013) for President Bush, urging him not to veto legislation supporting stem cell research. He'll deliver the notes to the White House and donate the shoes to charity after making sure that they are seen.

"We can't have a 'Million-Caretaker Walk' in Washington. We have to be home when we're not working," Yaverbaum said.

The head of Jericho Communications , Yaverbaum is the author of "Public Relations Kit for Dummies" and "Leadership Secrets of the World's Most Successful CEOs."

While many scientists and others believe stem cells might hold the key to cures of many diseases, Yaverbaum acknowledged that even if research is expanded now, any results would probably come too late for his wife, Suri Nisker, 42.

"I want to make sure . . . I do everything I can to make a difference," he said.

The House voted last month to approve a bill that would repeal the limits that Bush imposed when he announced the first federal funding for stem cell research in 2001. Bush, who has said he opposes federal funding for research that involves destroying embryos, has vowed to veto the bill if it passes the Senate.

Former U.N. Envoy Joins Quinn Gillespie

Quinn Gillespie & Associates is bringing on Stuart Holliday , most recently U.S. ambassador to the United Nations for special political affairs, to head the lobby shop's international practice.

Holliday will oversee the company's foreign government and international trade clients and international business as well as provide foreign policy counsel to domestic clients. Representing foreign interests, Holliday will be registered under the Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), Ed Gillespie said.

"It's a big area. We've not been in it much in the past," Gillespie said in an interview.

Holliday also will be subject to a one-year ban on lobbying the State Department.

Before working at the United Nations, Holliday was coordinator of State's Bureau of International Information Programs and principal deputy assistant secretary for public affairs. He also served as associate director of presidential personnel at the White House.