For decades, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation has challenged long-held scientific assumptions about spinal cord injury (SCI), refusing to accept that paralysis was permanent. By investing in bold ideas and supporting equally determined researchers, the Foundation helped transform what was once considered impossible into one of the most promising frontiers in medicine.
From the beginning, our strategy has been to follow the most promising science while building the infrastructure needed for progress. In the early years, that meant investing in foundational discoveries that reshaped understanding of the injured spinal cord and revealed the biological barriers preventing repair and restoration. Today, it means strengthening the ecosystem that moves those discoveries from the laboratory to patients.
The Foundation’s early investments enabled pioneering researchers to decode the complexities of the central nervous system and identify the mechanisms that impede recovery. At the center of this work was a collaborative network of laboratories that established much of the scientific foundation that underpins today’s pursuit of transformative therapies.
At the same time, the Foundation helped build the broader clinical and research infrastructure needed to translate discovery into patient benefit. Our research funding strengthened the field’s capacity to conduct rigorous clinical research while simultaneously expanding access to innovative rehabilitation and recovery strategies for people living with paralysis.
As the science advanced, so did the Foundation’s role. From pioneering investments in epidural stimulation research to co-founding SCI Ventures — the first venture philanthropy dedicated exclusively to spinal cord injury — the Foundation has continually adapted to accelerate the most promising pathways toward cures.
Today, the science is advancing faster than ever. Yet progress is still constrained by systemic barriers that no single laboratory, company, or funder can solve alone. Investment gaps, fragmented data, inconsistent research models, and limited collaboration continue to slow the translation of promising discoveries into effective therapies.
Read the full letter from Marco Baptista, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer.
Download the full newsletter here (PDF)A pilot study funded by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation with a grant to Kessler Foundation has demonstrated the potential of a handheld ultrasound device to improve bladder management for people living with SCI. Recently published in the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, the study found that the portable Butterfly iQ™ ultrasound device — also featured on the medical drama The Pitt — may help individuals monitor bladder volume at home.
The study showed that patient- and caregiver-directed handheld bladder ultrasound monitoring using a modern smartphone or tablet-connected platform is feasible, with clinically acceptable accuracy, and may reduce unnecessary catheterization in individuals with SCI performing routine clean intermittent
catheterization (CIC).
“After a spinal cord injury, disrupted communication between the bladder and the brain can lead to UTIs and long-term health complications,” said Marco Baptista, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at the Reeve Foundation. “Our goal is not only to better understand these challenges but to advance innovative solutions that improve quality of life. We look forward to future studies that evaluate sustained use and impact on clinical outcomes and bladder management.”
The feasibility study enrolled 10 participants with SCI who routinely perform intermittent catheterization. Researchers found that:
“This study shows that a modern, handheld ultrasound can be quickly integrated into daily care by both individuals living with SCI and their caregivers,” said principal investigator and lead author Steven Kirshblum, M.D., Chief Medical Officer for Kessler Foundation and Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. “Some of the participants found the device to be a valuable addition to their care.”
While larger, longer-term studies are needed to evaluate clinical outcomes, these early findings highlight the promise of accessible technology to improve bladder management. The Reeve Foundation is proud to continue advancing research that addresses the everyday challenges affecting life after SCI.
The FDA has cleared ANEUVO’s ExaStim® Stimulation System, a non-invasive transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation device for use in both clinical and home settings. The system is indicated to improve hand sensation and strength in adults with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury when paired with functional task practice.
“We are encouraged to see another transcutaneous stimulation therapy becoming available to our community. It reflects real momentum in the spinal cord injury field, where scientific innovation is translating into regulatory progress and, ultimately, meaningful improvements in quality of life for people living with SCI.”
— Dr. Marco Baptista, Chief Scientific Officer
The Reeve Foundation is proud to partner with the paralysis community in support of the FDA’s Patient-Focused Drug Development (PFDD) initiative, ensuring that the experiences and priorities of people living with paralysis help shape future treatments. We invite you to join an upcoming virtual community meeting and be part of the conversation.
This free, virtual meeting gives individuals living with SCI an opportunity to share their experiences directly with the FDA and treatment developers.
Participants will discuss daily life with SCI, experiences with current treatments, and priorities for future therapies and research. Attendees can contribute through live polling and comments, and what they share will become part of an official report that the FDA and treatment developers can use to help shape future treatments.
September 29 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM ET | Free & Virtual
Register today: https://www.scipfdd.org/register
The future of spinal cord injury research is bright. The Reeve Foundation is proud to be a Supporting Sponsor of Scientific American’s inaugural Young American Scientists initiative, recognizing rising researchers whose discoveries have the potential to transform lives. By investing in the next generation of scientific leaders, we’re helping accelerate the breakthroughs that will lead to better treatments — and ultimately, cures.
From Discovery to Translational Drug Development: The Nuts and Bolts of Therapeutic Development Principals, Sponsored by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation & Spinal Research
Wednesday, September 16, 2026, London
The annual Spinal Research Network Meetings provides an opportunity for academic and clinical researchers from all over the world to share information, outcomes and data from their studies. It promotes the exchange of ideas about understanding the complexity of spinal cord injury.
A special pre-course session jointly sponsored by the Reeve Foundation will convene leading researchers, clinicians, industry experts, and people with lived experience to explore the latest advances in spinal cord injury research — from regenerative medicine and neurotechnology to biomarkers, clinical trial design, and translational pathways — while identifying opportunities to accelerate collaboration.
Follow the Reeve Foundation for updates.
Celebrating Community Through Golf
This summer, the Reeve Foundation community came together for two annual golf outings that unite supporters and friends around a shared mission to improve the quality of life of people living with paralysis.
The season kicked off at Metuchen Golf & Country Club with the second annual LeGrand Golf Classic, presented by Prudential. The event brought together returning golfers and new friends to support Team LeGrand and the Reeve Foundation, raising more than $100,000 while celebrating resilience, teamwork, and the power of community.
The momentum continued at the historic Winged Foot Golf Club during the annual Reeve Golf Classic, where more than 200 players gathered in support of the Foundation’s mission, raising nearly $900,000. The event proudly honored Brigitte & Chip McCarthy and welcomed a passionate community of advocates and supporters dedicated to advancing hope and progress.
Across both outings, heartfelt stories, meaningful conversations, and moments of laughter highlight the impact of collective support. These events showcase the strength of the Reeve Foundation community.
Thank you to everyone who participated, sponsored and supported these unforgettable celebrations. Hope to see you on the greens next summer!
From Chicago to New York City, and soon to London, Team Reeve runners are taking on some of the world’s most iconic marathons to raise funds for spinal cord injury (SCI) research.
Cheer them on: Support our incredible Team Reeve athletes as they train, race, and turn their endurance into hope for the paralysis community. Your encouragement and donations help fuel breakthroughs that change lives.
This summer, the Reeve Foundation is partnering with Spinal Injuries Ireland to support Fergus Walks, an extraordinary journey to raise awareness and critical funds for SCI research and resources. Beginning August 22, Fergus Farrell, who was told he had just a 5% chance of ever walking again after a SCI, will walk from Brooklyn, New York, to Santa Monica, California, inspiring communities across the country while shining a light on the realities and possibilities of life after spinal cord injury.
Follow the journey: Follow the Reeve Foundation on social media to see Fergus’s journey, special stops along the way, and ways you can support him from wherever you are.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural Go Forward reception, the NHL is once again bringing together the hockey community in support of SCI and Parkinson’s disease research. Join us on Thursday, February 4, 2027, at Tribeca Rooftop + 360° in New York City for an unforgettable evening benefiting the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and the SCIBoston/Travis Roy Legacy Grant Program.
Save the date and help move groundbreaking research forward.
The Reeve Foundation and Huey Magoo’s are proud to partner this September during Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month to raise critical funds in support of Today’s Care. Tomorrow’s Cure. Through this month-long in-store campaign, guests can make a meaningful difference with every visit.
At participating Huey Magoo’s locations, guests can simply round up their purchase to the next dollar, with every cent donated to the Reeve Foundation to help advance life-changing care, groundbreaking research and hope for individuals and families living with paralysis.
“The Reeve Foundation is near and dear to my family,” said Andy Howard, president and CEO of Huey Magoo’s. “We’re honored to support the Foundation’s incredible work and invite guests at participating Huey Magoo’s locations to join us this September by rounding up their in-store purchase. Even the smallest donation can make a meaningful difference for individuals and families living with paralysis.”
Founded in 2004, Huey Magoo’s is one of the fastest-growing fast-casual brands, earning multiple awards for its bold flavors and quality, most recently securing a spot on Fast Casual’s 2026 Top 100 Movers + Shaker’s list. With locations in 12 states and growing, Huey Magoo’s continues to bring premium ingredients and exceptional hospitality to communities nationwide. Guests can order through Huey Magoo’s mobile app for convenient pickup, delivery, and rewards tracking. For more information, visit HueyMagoos.com.
