Statement by Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation on Medical Status of Christopher Reeve

9/10/2002

From: Maggie Goldberg of CRPF, 800-225-0292, or Colleen Dermody of Witeck-Combs Communications, 202-887-0500 ext. 18

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 -- In response to reports that Christopher Reeve can walk after undergoing electrical muscle stimulation and repetitive motion exercise, and that Mr. Reeve's spine was severed in 1995, the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation issued the following statement:

"Christopher Reeve's overall health is excellent," said Maggie Goldberg, spokeswoman for the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF). "Although Mr. Reeve cannot walk, he has regained the ability to move his right wrist, the fingers of his left hand and his feet. He can now feel a pin prick on the majority of his body and can move some of his joints voluntarily. He can also move other joints against resistance.

"In addition, he can straighten his arms and legs, particularly when the effects of gravity are reduced (for example, in a pool or when he is lying down). But he has little or no balance control for sitting, standing or walking.

"In May of 1995, Mr. Reeve was injured in an equestrian accident that resulted in severe damage inside a small section of his spinal cord. The accident did not sever his spinal cord. He began exercising in October of 1995, and has continued an exercise regimen since that time, using a Functional Electrical Stimulation bicycle, treadmill therapy, spontaneous breathing training and other therapies. Approximately two years ago, Mr. Reeve found he could voluntarily move his index finger and has since recovered some other movements that have come back in small stages and strengthened over time.

"Though CRPF did not fund any of Mr. Reeve's long-term exercise therapies, funding new and existing research and caring today for people with disabilities are the priorities of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. Christopher Reeve, the Scientific Advisory Council of CRPF, leaders of the disability rights movement and researchers all agree that curing paralysis and loss of function caused by spinal cord injury or disease will require much research and a carefully orchestrated series of interventions.

"In 2001, CRPF awarded almost $9 million to ongoing and new scientific research projects. These projects represent cutting edge research on a variety of fronts including neuroprotection, growth inhibition, axon growth, neurotransmisson, cell replacement, rehabilitation and genetics.

"In addition, CRPF awards bi-annual grants to programs that seek to improve opportunities, access and the day-to-day quality of life for individuals and their families living with disabilities. To date we have given more than $2.5 million to organizations dedicated to providing services needed by people living with paralysis," concluded Goldberg.

Christopher Reeve is the chairman of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF). CRPF is a national non-profit organization that encourages and supports research to develop effective treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. The Foundation also allocates a portion of its resources to grants that improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. For more information, please visit http://www.ChristopherReeve.org.