The Transverse Myelitis Association Named Recipient of Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation Quality of Life Grant

The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF) awarded to The Transverse Myelitis Association a $10,000 Quality of Life Grant. CRPF awarded a total of $779,321 in Quality of Life Grants to 126 organizations nationwide as part of its 2004 first funding cycle of the Quality of Life Program.

The Quality of Life grants program was conceived in 1999 by Dana Reeve. Reeve, Director of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation and founder of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center, started the program with the goal of helping people living with disabilities in the ‘here and now.’ Grants are awarded to programs or projects that improve the well-being of people living with paralysis, particularly spinal cord injuries. Funding is awarded twice annually in thirteen categories, including: accessibility, advocacy, arts, assistive technology, children, counseling, education, employment, health promotion, independent living, practical services, sports and recreation, and therapeutic riding.

“For the first time in the history of this program, we have awarded over $775,000 in one cycle which will directly improve the quality of life for not only those living with disabilities, but their loved ones and caregivers as well,” said Dana Reeve. “When we first launched this program, I was thrilled to be able to award 20 nonprofit organizations. I never imagined that within five years we would be able to fund over 125 groups.”

Health Promotion grants, a special category of Quality of Life grants, are funded through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Funding is awarded to non-profit organizations that address the needs of people living with paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries and other injuries, diseases and birth conditions that result in paralysis. Health promotion grants strive to remove societal and environmental barriers that limit the abilities of individuals living with paralysis to participate in life activities. Participation in these activities improves physical and emotional health and prevents secondary conditions for persons living with paralysis. Health promotion grants totaled $386,421 and were awarded to 50 organizations.

The Transverse Myelitis Association and the Johns Hopkins Transverse Myelitis Center co-sponsored the Rare Neuroimmunologic Disorders Symposium. The Health Promotion Quality of Life grant was used to support this symposium. The primary goal of the symposium was to bring together patients with rare neuroimmunologic disorders, professionals who provide medical treatment and care to this population, and basic and clinical scientists who specialize in research on these disorders. The symposium provided a unique approach and an exceptional opportunity to foster communication and the sharing of information between the significant members of the neuroimmunologic community.

According to Dr. Siegel, President of The Transverse Myelitis Association, “There are considerable benefits to be derived from bringing together these groups who possess a variety of perspectives and experiences but who share very fundamental and common goals: a better understanding of these rare disorders, the improved quality of life for this community of people, improved treatments for these disorders, and ultimately a cure for these neuroimmunologic disorders. This symposium represents a major step in achieving all of these goals.”

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 the CRPF Quality of Life Program or to read about the 2004 grant recipients please visit www.ChristopherReeve.org.