Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation

American charitable organization dedicated to curing spinal cord injury

Logo of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to advancing research and improving the quality of life for individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) and paralysis. Founded in 1999, the foundation is named after the late actor Christopher Reeve, who became an advocate for SCI research following his own injury, and his wife, Dana Reeve.

History

The foundation was established in 1999 through the merger of the American Paralysis Association and the Christopher Reeve Foundation. Christopher Reeve, best known for his role as Superman, became a prominent advocate for spinal cord injury research after a horseback riding accident in 1995 left him paralyzed from the neck down. His wife, Dana Reeve, was a steadfast supporter and advocate alongside him until her death in 2006.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is to cure spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information, and advocacy. The foundation supports a wide range of research initiatives aimed at finding treatments and cures for spinal cord injuries.

Research Initiatives

The foundation funds a variety of research programs, including:

• NeuroRecovery Network (NRN): A network of rehabilitation centers that provide standardized activity-based therapies to promote recovery and improve the health and quality of life of people living with paralysis.
• The Reeve Foundation International Research Consortium on Spinal Cord Injury: A collaborative effort among leading scientists to accelerate the development of treatments for spinal cord injury.
• The North American Clinical Trials Network (NACTN): A network of hospitals and research centers that conduct clinical trials to test new therapies for spinal cord injury.

Quality of Life Programs

In addition to research, the foundation offers a variety of programs aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with paralysis. These include:

• Quality of Life Grants: Financial support for non-profit organizations that provide services and programs to enhance the lives of people with disabilities.
• Paralysis Resource Center: A comprehensive resource for individuals and families affected by paralysis, offering information, support, and referral services.

Advocacy and Awareness

The foundation is actively involved in advocacy efforts to increase awareness and support for spinal cord injury research and quality of life initiatives. It works to influence public policy and secure funding for research and services that benefit the paralysis community.

Leadership

The foundation is led by a board of directors and a team of dedicated staff members who are committed to advancing the mission of the organization. The leadership team works closely with scientists, healthcare professionals, and advocates to drive progress in the field of spinal cord injury research and care.

Related pages

• Spinal cord injury
• Paralysis
• Neuroplasticity
• Rehabilitation (neuropsychology)