Great news! The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act (CDRPA) has just been passed out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. This is a huge victory for the paralysis community, and the important first step towards having this comprehensive research, rehabilitation and quality of life legislation signed into law. The passage of the CDRPA out of committee is in large part due to the unwavering dedication and leadership of two champions: Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA). The passage of this bill is also thanks to the tremendous efforts and commitment you, our amazing advocates, have made over the years to this piece of legislation that carries the names and vision of both Christopher and Dana Reeve. This piece of legislation will cement their legacy and the work to which they committed their lives. We will continue to work with our Congressional Champions to secure a date for a full vote by the Senate, as well as having the bill Go Forward in the House.

The Basics

The CDRPA is non-controversial and has strong bi-partisan support. It is primarily about two things: advancing collaborative research in paralysis and improving the quality of life today for people living with paralysis and mobility impairments from any cause -- stroke, ALS, spinal cord injuries, and others. The CDRPA encourages coordination of research to prevent redundancies and hopefully hasten discovery of better treatments and cures and, as importantly, to improve the daily lives today for those living with paralysis.

On Dec. 8th, 2006 the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act passed the US House of Representatives.  Unfortunately, the CDRPA was among many public health bills that got bogged down in the Senate, ultimately running out of time before the bill could pass the Senate in the 109th Congress.  The bill we be re-introduced in 2007, and its success last year makes us hopeful for its full passage in this legislative session.

Why Now

Despite strong bi-partisan support, the CDRPA did not pass in Christopher or Dana Reeve's lifetime. However, to help all of the current and future individuals with paralysis, we must join together and redouble our efforts to support his vision and pass the legislation to honor his memory. Millions of individuals with paralysis and their families are counting on us!