By Lucia Viti

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation along with San Diego’s Team Reeve Chapter are working together on “The Big Idea,” an ambitious effort to raise $15 million to afford 36 spinal cord injury patients the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking epidural stimulation therapy.

Epidural stimulation of the spinal cord improves 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.

“Our mission is to prove the effectiveness of epidural stimulation and challenge the notion that the spinal cord, once damaged, can’t be repaired,” said Deborah Flynn, the foundation’s western regional director. “Funds 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.”

“The Big Idea is more than a chance to support critical research,” said Stevie Hutchinson, the foundation’s projects and development manager. “It’s an opportunity to mobilize and transform lives. Fifteen million dollars will fast-track the most promising paralysis research to date — epidural stimulation — to reverse the damaging and life threatening conditions associated with paralysis.”

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’s 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 ‘n’ Roll Marathon on May 31 in San Diego.

United in Christopher Reeve’s 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.

The Reeve Foundation’s 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’s 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.

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, “In 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.”

“As an Olympian and even more recently with my injury, I’ve learned that teamwork is paramount to success,”  Van Dyken-Rouen said. “To truly make a difference — to change the world — 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.”

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.

“This is a philanthropic endeavor that can change the world,” Flynn said. “Never stop moving, never stop hoping and together we will find the cures that so many people need.”

Visit reevebigidea.org for more information on the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

—Contact Lucia Viti at [email protected].