Millions of Americans Living with Paralysis Provided Hope with Introduction of Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act of 2003

4/30/2003

From: Maggie Goldberg of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, 800-225-0892; Colleen Dermody, 202-887-0500 ext. 18 or Ciaran Clayton, 202-887-0500 ext. 26, both of Witeck-Combs Communications

News Advisory:

-- First-ever Paralysis Legislation Will Fund Research, Rehabilitation and Quality of Life Programs at The National Institutes Of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

WHO: -- Christopher Reeve, Chairman, The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF) -- U.S. Rep. Michael Bilirakis (R-Fla.) (invited) -- U.S. Rep. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) (invited) -- U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) (invited) -- U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) (invited) -- The Honorable Anthony J. Principi - secretary, Veterans Affairs (invited) -- Joined by other Members of Congress

WHAT: News Conference to announce the introduction of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act of 2003. If enacted, this bi-partisan legislation would authorize additional funding for paralysis research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The legislation would also expand rehabilitation research activities through the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR).

In addition, the legislation would develop new research programs on paralysis within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and would authorize the CDC to identify projects to improve the quality of life and the long-term health of persons living with paralysis and other physical disabilities.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 7, 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2362 Washington, D.C.

The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF) is committed to funding research that develops treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. The Foundation also vigorously works to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities through its grants program, paralysis resource center, and advocacy efforts. For more information about CRPF, please contact CRPF at 800-225-0292 or visit the website at http://www.christopherreeve.org.