Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

What an incredible day for the paralysis community! It was such an achievement to gather so many members of our community together to commemorate the historic 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. (ADA photo by Gil Garcetti.)

On behalf of the Reeve Foundation, we want to thank everyone who joined us yesterday. It was a VERY early morning for most of the attendees and we appreciate your efforts to help us break the Guinness world record. Special thanks to our friends in the Los Angeles disability community who helped recruit their members and constituents and kudos to our ambassadors who turned out en masse to participate.

The day began bright and early in the Dodger Stadium parking lot, with the iconic stadium sign right behind us. After a few welcomes and introductions, Reeve Foundation ambassador Ali Stroker (pictured) began the program belting out the National Anthem like only Ali could. Gary Karp, whose list of distinctions is too long to list, served as emcee and demonstrated his impressive juggling skills. We were also joined by Josh Rawitch, VP of Communications for the LA Dodgers, Mark Ridley Thomas, LA County Supervisor, Mayra Fornos, founder of Ralph's Riders and David Geffen, ADA lawyer.

Read more on the Daily Dose.

See some of the photos. More to come.

One in fifty Americans is now living with some form of paralysis. Each of us is only a degree or two separated from somebody who is affected by paralysis. They are people, like you and me, trying to earn a living, raise kids, and pursue happiness in all its forms. We assure you, each one is more than a statistic and not defined by a wheelchair.

We're working as a community to raise $1,275,000 -- one dollar for every person who is affected by spinal cord injury. Cures are within our reach if we have the resources we need. We are all in this together!

Meet some of the people affected by paralysis -- fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters. Caregivers, researchers, even Superman fans.

Here is a nice way to show your support and start a conversation about the Foundation whenever you go to buy something -- A Visa card. There are three designs to choose from.

When you apply for and use the new FREE Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Platinum® Visa Rewards Card, the bank will donate $50 and a percentage of all your future purchases on the card to Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation!

Support The Reeve Foundation with every purchase:

• 0% Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 6 months. After this period, a low variable APR will apply.


• Earn bonus points for FREE airline tickets, merchandise, cash-back and more at participating merchants.


• $50 donation by the bank when you first use the card plus ongoing contributions.


• No annual fee and no additional cost to you.


• Enhanced Visa Platinum benefits, including 24/7 Emergency Customer Service and 100% Fraud Protection, Purchase security, Warranty Manager and much more.

1. Add this application

2. Download the FREE toolbar here!

3. Recruit 10 of your friends

4. Donate at least $10.00 via our secure donation form

5. Tell us where to send your Superman Tags here

The Christopher Reeve Foundation proudly offers the Christopher Reeve Foundation Superman Dog Tag. This special offer is your opportunity to pay personal tribute to Christopher Reeve's incredible legacy. By wearing the Superman Dog Tag, you will help assure that Christopher's vision will Go Forward.

Or simply go to Free Superman Dog Tags to complete your checklist!

Every time you use this toolbar the Foundation makes a few cents, which will add up over time. (There is even a thermometer tracking how the toolbar is doing across the board.) Besides easy access to our site -- including our Facebook page and online community forum -- you get the latest health and Daily Dose news, messages from us, and your local weather.

Please take advantage of this free and easy way to show you and your friends your support for the Reeve Foundation.

Download Free Reeve Toolbar Here!

Prevalence

 Approximately 1.9% of the U.S. population, or some 5,596,000 people, reported some form of paralysis based on the functional definition used in the survey.

 Approximately 0.4% of the U.S. population or some 1,275,000 people reported being paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury.

Causes of Paralysis and Spinal Cord Injury

 The leading cause of paralysis was stroke (29%), followed by spinal cord injury (23%) and multiple sclerosis (17%).

 Various types of accidents accounted for the great majority of spinal cord injuries. Degree of Difficulty in Moving

 36% of those who reported being paralyzed said they had "a lot of difficulty" in moving; 29% said "some difficulty"; 17% said "a little difficulty"; and 16% said they were "completely unable to move."

 35% of those who reported being paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury said they had "a lot of difficulty" in moving; 29% percent said they had "some difficulty"; 20% said they had "a little difficulty"; and 13% were "completely unable" to move.

Team Reeve is back in New York City!

We are bigger and better than ever and need you to support our amazing Team athletes!

Each has their own unique story of why they are running with and for the TEAM.

Meet them, support them and cheer them on as they train for the most popular marathon, the ING New York City Marathon!

It's easy to do.

Simply click on the SPONSOR AN ATHLETE button on the Team Reeve website and enter the name of the team member you are searching for.

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is proud to once again partner with New York Road Runners in their 2009 Charity Partners Initiative.