Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson made a stop at the UW-Stout campus Friday to talk about the future of health care.

He emphasized the importance of research on existing stem cells. The former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Social Services says he’s also very encouraged by the research that’s being done on amniotic fluid, as well as adult stem cells.

He says Wisconsin is posed to make some breakthrough discoveries.

"We have a great chance to attract businesses and expand existing ones and really help Wisconsin become the leader in bio-technology and bio-research and bio-medicine,” Thompson said.

Thompson’s lecture on stem cell research has special meaning for the Borofka family of Colfax.

13-year-old Mitch has been living with inoperable astrocytoma tumors for almost 11 years.

Mitch’s mother, Linda, says the growths are located on her son’s brain stem and spine.

"That's where stem cell research is so important to us, because from what we're learning, they're showing some really neat discoveries with spinal cord injuries,” Borofka said.

Linda Borofka says her family works very hard to just live…and enjoy living…during this tough time.

Right now, she says they’re focusing on keeping Mitch alive, while they let the medical research catch-up.