For decades, scientists called spinal cord injury (SCI) the “graveyard of neurobiology,” a field where progress was slow and recovery out of reach. Today, that narrative is changing. Across labs, clinics, and even inside people’s homes, we’re witnessing a steady march from discovery toward real-world impact — and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is accelerating that shift.
Our mission is bold: to support research that improves life after injury, not just in one domain, but across the full spectrum of function — from movement and autonomic control to cardiovascular health and bladder function. This commitment to advancing quality of life outcomes is why the Reeve Foundation partnered with Spinal Research to award $1.5 million in preclinical grants, targeting one of the most persistent bottlenecks in SCI research: the gap between early discovery and the rigorous studies required before regulatory review.
Too often, promising projects stall not because the science lacks merit, but because investigators lack the necessary resources to demonstrate readiness for human application. Our open-call Request for Applications — the first of its kind at the Reeve Foundation in several years — encouraged investigators to clearly articulate mechanism, delivery strategy, and a realistic path toward regulatory readiness. The result: a diverse portfolio of projects across academia and industry, startups and nonprofits with a shared focus on human impact.
Beyond these grants, the broader SCI research landscape continues to evolve. Recently, ONWARD Medical’s neurostimulation technology gained FDA authorization for home use, opening the door to daily functional gains outside the clinic. We continue to educate and connect the community through public conversations on emerging nerve regeneration and device-based strategies because progress requires shared understanding and coordinated action.
Thanks to your advocacy, philanthropy, and partnership, what was once considered impossible is increasingly achievable. Together, we are helping ensure that research breakthroughs do not stop at publication or proof of concept — but move forward to change lives.
With gratitude and resolve,
Marco Baptista, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation applauds the U.S. Senate and House Appropriations Committees for maintaining level funding for the National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) in the FY 2026. This funding supports the NPRC’s vital services, peer support, and resources that enhance health, independence, and dignity for millions living with paralysis.
This progress reflects the tireless advocacy of the Reeve Foundation community and the commitment of longstanding bipartisan supporters in Congress. The NPRC’s cost-effectiveness and nationwide reach make it a lifeline for people with paralysis — a role that would be jeopardized if funding were cut and a loss the U.S. cannot afford.
With the newly enacted Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (CR), most of the government is funded through January 30, 2026. However, the full FY 2026 appropriations package for Labor, HHS, and Education has still not been finalized.
As lawmakers approach the January 30, 2026 CR deadline, Congress has the power to secure the NPRC’s future, and the Reeve Foundation urges lawmakers to maintain full funding of $10.7 million to ensure that robust, nationwide services continue.
Advocates are encouraged to speak out to protect this lifesaving resource and ensure that robust, nationwide services continue.
The past few months have been nothing short of extraordinary for Team Reeve®. From Chicago to New York City, our athletes, supporters, and fundraisers have turned dedication into impact, raising over $1 million and capturing attention both at the races and online. Every mile reflects the power of our mission and the passion of our community.
Looking Ahead: Big Races, Bigger Impact
Team Reeve is hitting the road again! On Sunday, March 15, 2026, we’ll take on the NYC Half Marathon. Supporters can join the team, fundraise for Today’s Care. Tomorrow’s Cure.® and show that anyone can make a difference.
April brings the Boston Marathon, where the Reeve Foundation’s own Kelly Lamb, Director of Team Reeve, will lead an all-female team in her first marathon in seven years and the 6th time she’s laced her running shoes for Team Reeve. Boston holds a special place in Team Reeve’s story and marathon history. It was the first major marathon to introduce a wheelchair division, a milestone that mirrors our commitment to inclusion and accessibility in endurance sports. The Boston Marathon was also one of the first major marathons to welcome female runners, breaking barriers and paving the way for generations of women athletes, and the Reeve Foundation is proud to carry forward this special piece of history with our all-women team this year.
Team Reeve All Stars: A Growing Force
Our All Stars continue to expand, carrying Team Reeve’s message of hope, inspiration, and community to major events nationwide. Each new member strengthens our impact, raises awareness, and uplifts the spirit of our community.
This summer, Mark and Heather Segal completed another incredible coast‑to‑coast ride for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, pedaling 1,737 miles (with nearly 69,000 feet of elevation gain) — part of their long‑term effort that’s covered close to 12,000 miles and raised nearly $128,000.
Their journey not only raised vital funds for spinal cord injury research but also brought the Reeve mission to dozens of communities nationwide, spreading hope and awareness every mile of the way.
From record-breaking fundraising to unforgettable race days, Team Reeve is moving the needle — and we’re just getting started.
This past giving season, Lorraine DiPaolo inspired the Reeve Foundation community with a generous December Match Challenge. Every gift made through December 31 was matched dollar for dollar, up to $50,000 — doubling the impact of each contribution and accelerating vital research and treatments for spinal cord injury.
Lorraine’s connection to this cause is deeply personal. In 1960, her husband Gordon was paralyzed from the neck down after a swimming accident. Through years of intensive care, experimental procedures, and unwavering determination, Gordon regained some mobility, returned to work as a college professor, and built a rich life alongside Lorraine.
“My husband Gordon’s accident in 1960 changed the course of our lives, but never our love or belief in what is possible,” Lorraine shared. “Since his passing in 2020, I have carried forward the hope and strength we shared. How far we have come is incredible, though there is still more work ahead.”
Thanks to Lorraine’s leadership and generosity, supporters transformed perseverance into progress. Every gift during the Match Challenge went twice as far — funding critical research, supporting treatments, and bringing renewed hope to the spinal cord injury community. Lorraine’s story is a powerful reminder of enduring love, resilience, and the extraordinary impact of giving back.
Boston, MA, May 6-8, 2026
Today’s Innovation. Tomorrow’s Impact.
Bold ideas drive meaningful change for people living with paralysis, and progress is driven by community. Join us in Boston, MA, from May 6-8 at Reeve Summit 2026, where Care, Cure and Community Connect. This premier gathering brings together individuals living with paralysis, caregivers, family members, healthcare providers, scientists, medical innovators, advocates and policymakers to imagine new solutions and accelerate transformative impact.
The Reeve Foundation community came together at The Rutgers Club on November 13th to honor Eric LeGrand in a lively and inspiring celebration. Fans, friends, and supporters gathered with Rutgers Athletics to support Team LeGrand and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
Joined by Athletic Director Keli Zinn and former teammates Mike Teel and Kevin Malast, the evening highlighted resilience, team spirit, and the power of community — truly embodying the spirit of a LeGrand Knight.
From heartfelt stories to conversations filled with reflection, laughter, and pride, the event showcased the impact of determination and collective support in the lives of people living with paralysis. It was a night full of energy, connection, and inspiration, and a meaningful reminder of why our mission matters.
Thank you to everyone who joined the celebration and made it unforgettable!
The Reeve Foundation is now on TikTok! Follow us @reevefoundation for inspiring stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and updates on Today’s Care. Tomorrow’s Cure.® from our Gen Reeve Voices, Team Reeve and across our community. Don’t miss Mason Branstrator and other advocates sharing their journeys — be part of the conversation and help amplify every voice!
@mason_branstrator We aren’t unicorns! We just do things a little differently. 😂 Check out @Reeve Foundation for more videos on life with a disability! #GenReeve #GenReeveVoices #TodaysCare #ReeveFoundationPartner #AdaptiveLiving ♬ original sound – Mason Branstrator
Join us for an evening filled with connection, community and purpose.
Reeve Connect
Reconnect. Inspire. Impact.
Giselle Miami
Thursday, March 19
6PM-9PM
Get Tickets!
Proceeds will support the Reeve Foundation’s vision of a world in which spinal cord injury does not result in paralysis and paralysis does not result in diminished quality of life.
