Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act


WASHINGTON, DC - Today Congresswomen Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Mary Bono (R-CA) and Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) introduced in the House the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act (H.R. 1727) to improve the lives of and hasten better treatments and cures for people living with paralysis.

"We honor the activism of Christopher and Dana Reeve with this bipartisan effort to better treat and, we hope, cure paralysis and other serious motor impairments," said Congresswoman Baldwin. "Chris and Dana used their visibility to work on behalf of families in all parts of the country who face the challenges of paralysis and impaired mobility. This legislation is part of their legacy," Baldwin said.

"The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is extremely grateful to Representatives Baldwin, Bono, Langevin and Bilirakis for introducing the important legislation in Christopher and Dana's names that will advance research into cures and treatments for paralysis as well as for quality of life initiatives to aid those already living with disability," said Peter Wilderotter, President, Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. "Improvements are made every day in spinal cord injury research, but enacting the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act will help to quickly and efficiently stimulate even more progress. We at the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation urge quick passage of the Act in Congress."

The legislation, named for the actor who was paralyzed in a riding accident and his wife who turned adversity into activism, seeks to avert redundancies and encourage collaborative research in paralysis and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis and mobility impairments from any cause -- stroke, ALS, spinal cord injuries, and others.

"The benefits of medical science are limitless and it is imperative that Congress continue working with organizations like the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, who remain dedicated to curing spinal cord injury and supporting innovative research that improves the quality of life for people living with paralysis," said Congresswoman Bono. "I am pleased to join Congresswoman Baldwin in raising awareness on this issue while bringing to the forefront a bi-partisan bill that pays great tribute to Christopher Reeve, a committed champion of this cause," Bono said.

"This legislation will be instrumental in helping people with disabilities achieve and maintain their independence and ensuring that we are using best research and technology to help improve their quality of life," said Congressman Langevin, who is the only spinal cord injured Member of Congress. "On a personal note, Chris and Dana were dear friends and it is now up to all of us to move forward and continue their legacy by passing this legislation," Langevin said.

"I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this vital legislation and am happy to see that it is garnering bi-partisan support at its inception," said Congressman Bilirakis. "I urge all my colleagues in the House to work together to pass this bill so America can make a comprehensive, coordinated effort to overcome paralysis and mobility impairment," Bilirakis said.

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act has three components that support and enhance paralysis research, rehabilitation, and quality of life programs:

· Paralysis Research - Expands research on paralysis at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This will encourage collaborative research by connecting scientists conducting similar work to further enhance understanding and speed discovery of better treatments and cures.

· Paralysis Rehabilitation and Care - Builds on research to enhance daily function for people with paralysis including a Clinical Trials Network to measure effectiveness of certain rehabilitation tactics and encouraging shared findings on paralysis to improve rehabilitation.

· Improving Quality of Life for Persons with Paralysis and Other Physical Disabilities - Works with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to improve the quality of life and long-term health status of persons with paralysis and other physical disabilities.