The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act

Washington, Jan 8 - Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) today joined Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) in introducing the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act, which will help improve the lives of and hasten better treatments and cures for people living with paralysis. “I am proud to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort to enhance research on paralysis and improve quality of life for the many individuals living with this condition and other mobility impairments,” said Rep. Bono Mack. “The possibilities of medical science are endless, and as we look to bring help and healing to these individuals, it is essential that we coordinate research efforts on a national level and continue to work with organizations like the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Through this effort, we pay tribute to Christopher and Dana Reeve, who were tireless advocates on behalf of all people living with paralysis,” Bono Mack said. “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 and I’m hopeful that it will become law in this session of Congress,” Baldwin said. “The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is extremely grateful to Representatives Tammy Baldwin, Mary Bono Mack, James Langevin and Gus Bilirakis for introducing this important legislation in Christopher and Dana’s honor. This critical initiative will advance research into cures and treatments for paralysis as well as improve the quality of life for those already living with the disability,” said Peter T. Wilderotter, President and CEO, Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. “Advancements 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,” Wilderotter said. 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. In the last session of Congress, the bill passed the House of Representatives, but failed to advance in the Senate. All four members of Congress pledged to work diligently to ensure that the bill becomes law this year. “I am pleased to join my colleagues in a renewed effort to pass this legislation in the 111th Congress. It is critical to help people with disabilities achieve and maintain their independence and to ensure that we are using the best research and technology to improve their quality of life,” said Rep. 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 seeing this bill signed into law,” 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. “Unfortunately, millions of Americans suffer from paralysis and mobility impairment. These individuals struggle each day to perform even the most basic of tasks that many of us take for granted. The economic and emotional impact this impairment has on their lives, and the lives of those who care for them, is staggering. I urge all my colleagues in the House to work together to pass this bill so America can make a comprehensive, coordinated effort to further advance paralysis research,” 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.