Although both little girls survived the separation procedure, it wasn't until later that the Buckles learned that their daughter Erin had suffered a spinal cord stroke during the operation.  She was left paralyzed from the waist down.  Yet despite the devastating news, nothing would change Kevin and Melissa's determination to offer their daughters the best life possible. 

Today, Erin has made amazing strides even though the road has been long and arduous.  The girls, who are now three, spend a lot of time together with their mother and older sister going to and from physical therapy. In a regular week, Erin receives physical therapy four times in a facility that is an hour away from her home.

Every six weeks, the family travels to Maryland to the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury for two weeks of intense therapy. With the help of her physical therapists and the love and support of her family, Erin has built enough muscle tone to stand and is able to activate her muscles when on the treadmill. 

But sadly, the strain on time and Melissa Buckle's heart as a mother is immeasurable. In the darkest moments, it is hard for her to deal with the fact that her children often can't lead a normal childhood. This is when she turns to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and our online Paralysis Community [link to Paralysis Community page].

We started the Paralysis Community as a place for dialogue about all issues related to living with paralysis. Members of the Paralysis Community are able to connect with other members who have spinal cord injuries and/or paralysis or care for those who do. They participate in discussion groups, post personal profiles, invite members to be friends, and build their own online support network.

And the "Caregivers" section of the Paralysis Community is just one of the ways we help improve the quality of life for people like Melissa.  Because we know that the men and women who care for family members and loved ones, deserve to be recognized and supported for the vital part they play in the lives of people with paralysis. 

Reading Paralysis Community blog posts, message boards and other online information -- sometimes in the middle of the night -- helps remind Melissa that she is not alone.  And that there are other people out there to support her in her support of Erin.  Through our Paralysis Community, all those living with paralysis have a place to turn in their darkest hours…a place to find hope, to find answers, to find solace.

This incredible online community is just one of the many resources we offer families while we work tirelessly towards finding the cure.  And with your support, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation will continue funding the most advanced research and providing the best quality of life programs so that all families will have hope and faith.