Christopher Reeve has become a powerful spokesperson for people with disabilities and for the rewards of medical research.

Christopher Reeve

Since his injury in an equestrian competition in May 1995, Christopher Reeve has become a leading proponent of medical research for the treatment of paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and a powerful voice for the disabled.

The Society is proud to honor him for his tireless efforts, which have done more to raise public awareness of spinal cord injury and promote research funding toward a cure than virtually any other individual or organization.

His sharp intelligence, wit, and curiosity have enabled him to move beyond his intensely personal focus to become an advocate for all who are affected by the debilitating paralysis caused by traumatic spinal cord injury.

Reeve is chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Paralysis Association. He is also president of the Christopher Reeve Foundation (CRF), a nonprofit organization started in January 1996. CRF's mission is to raise funds for medical research leading to a cure for spinal cord injury paralysis. CRF serves as a source of information and a voice for all people with disabilities. Through grants, CRF also supports programs that improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Other board appointments include Vice Chairman of the National Organization on Disability and World T.E.A.M. Sports.

While continuing to pursue his career in the arts, Reeve also remains focused on raising awareness about the profound impact medical research can have on all of our lives as well as other issues that impact those living with disabilities. Reeve continues to work tirelessly to obtain increased funding from both the public and private sectors for research on repairing the damaged brain and spinal cord.

Christopher Reeve: A Powerful Voice for Research Funding

Christopher Reeve with wife Dana.

• Lobbied for the National Institutes of Health as part of a group called NIHx2 to double the NIH budget in five years. In part because of his work, the NIH was appropriated a 15 percent increase in funding for fiscal year 1999, translating to more than $2 billion, the largest single increase ever in funding.
• Provided crucial support for the passage of the New York State Spinal Cord Injury Research Bill (7287C), landmark legislation which will make available up to $8.5 million annually in funds collected from violations of the state's vehicle and traffic laws. These funds will be applied to basic neurological research to find a cure for spinal cord injury paralysis.
• Provided Congressional testimony on behalf of the Specter/Harkin Bill: National Fund for Health Research Act, S.441. Supported the Lifetime Caps Bill in the 105th Congress by Senator James Jeffords and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, H.R. 1807.
• Serves as a member of the Executive Committee of Funding First, an initiative for medical research in honor of Mary Woodard Lasker, begun by former Senator Mark Hatfield.
• Joined with Senator Robert G. Torricelli to introduce legislation to create a national brain and spinal cord injury registry.
• Established a line of celebrity neckwear that will be carried at over 1,000 JC Penney department stores across the United States. A portion of the proceeds will benefit CRF. Christopher Reeve with wife Dana.