BOSTON -- Gov. Deval Patrick took the first step toward investing $1 billion in life science and stem cell research.

NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu reported that it's a big move for Massachusetts as it competes to hold onto money and jobs. And Beacon Hill pulled out big political guns to convince taxpayers this is worth every penny.

Amy DeSilva, 11, was selected to open Thursday's tribute to Nobel Prize winner Dr. Craig Mello because she was born with CMT, a degenerative nervous system disorder that is expected to progress rapidly as she gets older.

"Not allowing me to raise my wrist or move my fingers, like to open a juice box or a carton of milk," she said.

Mello came not only to collect accolades, but to lobby on behalf of Patrick's stem cell bill. He wants to immediately borrow $500 million, plus spend $25 million every year for the next 10 years.

"With these investments we will create and construct the Massachusetts stem cell bank, which will be the largest repository of stem cells in the world," Patrick said.

The governor said Massachusetts may have the brainpower and best stem cell lines, but California is threatening to win this war.

"These are great job-creating industries that provide useful, literally, life-saving technology to mankind," Mello said.

Mello spoke about his 7-year-old daughter who suffers from diabetes. Patrick said his mother had lupus and his mother-in-law has diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

"I bet there is not a person in this glorious chamber today whose family hasn't been touched in some way by some insidious disease," Patrick said.

Senate President Therese Murray is on board, but House Speaker Sal DiMasi was more cagey. In a written statement released on Thursday, DiMasi said he embraces the concepts of Patrick's ambitious plans, but Massachusetts must "balance affordability with future economic growth."

Mello said state money is needed to keep young promising researchers in Massachusetts until they catch the attention of larger foundations.