Calling all San Diego runners to lace up to help revolutionize the world of 6 million Americans inflicted with spinal cord injuries. Team Reeve, the fundraising arm of The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, is assembling its first All Star Running Team to run this month in two Uptown events, including the Suja Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll San Diego Marathon on May 31.<\/p>\n Team Reeve All Stars will run united in Christopher Reeve\u2019s dream of a world without wheelchairs. Although 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 The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, established in 1999 as an adjunct of the American Paralysis Association, remains dedicated to curing spinal cord injuries. San Diego\u2019s Team Reeve Chapter is working with the foundation to raise $15 million to afford 36 spinal cord injury patients the opportunity to participate in epidural stimulation therapy, a breakthrough study known as \u201cThe Big Idea.\u201d<\/p>\n Epidural stimulation of the spinal cord has been shown to improve cardiovascular, bladder, bowel and sexual function; temperature regulation; the ability to stand; and voluntary control of legs for those suffering from paralysis. Its safety and efficacy have been proven on four patients, so The Big Idea will accommodate a larger and more diverse study group.<\/p>\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 \u2013 epidural stimulation \u2013 to reverse the damaging and life-threatening conditions associated with paralysis.\u201d<\/p>\n The Reeve Foundation believes 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](\"https:\/\/sduptownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/webtop2.jpg\")
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(Courtesy of Team Reeve)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n