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<\/a>(Courtesy of Team Reeve)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\u201cOur mission is to prove the effectiveness of epidural stimulation and challenge the notion that the spinal cord, once damaged, can\u2019t be repaired,\u201d said Deborah Flynn, the foundation\u2019s western regional director. \u201cFunds will recruit 36 new participants to undergo epidural stimulation while collecting data to expedite therapy to the clinic where it could benefit many more; but it all starts with the next 36.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Big Idea is more than a chance to support critical research,\u201d said Stevie Hutchinson, the foundation\u2019s projects and development manager. \u201cIt\u2019s an opportunity to mobilize and transform lives. Fifteen million dollars will fast-track the most promising paralysis research to date \u2014 epidural stimulation \u2014 to reverse the damaging and life threatening conditions associated with paralysis.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Reeve Foundation, established in 1999 as an adjunct of the American Paralysis Association, remains dedicated to curing spinal cord injuries. Team Reeve, the foundation\u2019s fundraising arm, hosts athletic events to raise money and awareness to communities and corporations. Most recently, Team Reeve participated in the 5K Team Reeve Run on May 30 at Balboa Park and the Suja Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Marathon on May 31 in San Diego.<\/p>\n
United in Christopher Reeve\u2019s dream of a world without wheelchairs, volunteer steering committees work to improve the quality of life for those living with paralysis through educational activities and media outreach.<\/p>\n
The Reeve Foundation\u2019s organizers believe that The Big Idea will redefine what it means to live with spinal cord injury and positively alter the lives of patients who are dealing with multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig\u2019s disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS) or strokes. This five-year study will also work with the FDA and other federal agencies to optimize the translation of its findings to clinical settings.<\/p>\n
Olympic champion Amy Van Dyken-Rouen is captain of Team Reeve. The six-time gold medal winner survived an ATV accident that severed her spinal cord and paralyzed her from the waist down. According to Team Reeve, \u201cIn the months that followed her accident, Dyken-Rouen used her injury as a platform to address the realities of living with spinal cord injury and the complexities of navigating the health care system.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAs an Olympian and even more recently with my injury, I\u2019ve learned that teamwork is paramount to success,\u201d\u00a0 Van Dyken-Rouen said. \u201cTo truly make a difference \u2014 to change the world \u2014 we need to unite and charge towards the finish line. If my story inspires even one person to join Team Reeve, we will be one person stronger to advance our collective mission of discovering cures for spinal cord injury.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although Christopher Reeve may be best known for his movie role as Superman, his life as an activist for the disabled defines his greatest accomplishments. Paralyzed during an equestrian competition in 1995, Reeve became a public and political spotlight for spinal cord trauma. Until his death in 2004, Reeve worked tirelessly to obtain funding to support the recovery and repair of neurological function from spinal cord injuries and complex diseases of the brain and central nervous system.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a philanthropic endeavor that can change the world,\u201d Flynn said. \u201cNever stop moving, never stop hoping and together we will find the cures that so many people need.\u201d<\/p>\n