If you are interested in helping to promote the cause of advancing legislation to promote research to help individuals with disabilities such as spinal cord injuries (like myself) or other debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, heart disease, etc. I strongly encourage you to take a look at the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation's "Action Network" web site. Learn about current issues and find out how to contact the appropriate legislators.Do not forget to sign up for the "Action Network". E-mails are sent out periodically when important issues are being voted on. Usually, the e-mails are not sent more than about once a month at most so no one needs to be concerned about being inundated...
Thank you for your help and support!
Mark
Interview with Ron Reagan and Jesse Billauer on MSN NBC News
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Facts Concerning the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act
Two million Americans are living with paralysis Every 48 minutes another American sustains a spinal cord injury More than half of those spinal cord injured are between the ages of 16 and 31 and live near normal life spans. Indirect costs from loss of productive employment due to unemployment average $13,000 annually, costing the nation $5.85 billion/year; these costs amount to $170 every year, for every taxpayer The nation currently invests less than 1 percent of the costs of spinal cord injury into research that has the potential to restore function and substantially reduce the costs. By developing therapies for those who are already spinal cord injured and preventing new injuries, the United States would save as much as $400 billion on future direct and indirect lifetime costs. Initial hospitalization costs following spinal cord injury is $140,000 Average first year expenses for a spinal cord injury (all groups): $361,214 Average lifetime costs for quadriplegics, age of injury 25: $1.35 million Average lifetime costs for paraplegics, age of injury 25: $799,721 Although there is no cure for paralysis, there is a lot of hope. Scientists have made tremendous breakthroughs in the last several years. For the first time in a long time, the paralyzed community and their caregivers have legislation to rally behind. The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act was introduced in the House and Senate this spring and will hopefully come up for a legislative vote later this year. The passing of this bill could dramatically improve the quality of life and prospects for recovery for millions of people living with paralysis, their caregivers and loved ones. If enacted, this bill will help expand research, rehabilitation, and quality of life initiatives at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to better address the needs of the approximately two million Americans living with paralysis and related conditions. Over the past 20 years, overall inpatient (hospital and rehabilitation) days for those living with paralysis have been cut in half. However, individuals living with paralysis still face astronomical medical costs, and only one-third remain employed after becoming paralyzed. Fortunately, we stand on the brink of amazing breakthroughs in science and the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act will help focus the federal government’s commitment in this area. Without Federal involvement in research, rehabilitation, and care, an improved quality of life will not be possible for the millions of Americans living with disability. Just consider--the annual cost associated with disability is estimated at over $300 billion in medical care expenses and lost productivity. People living with physical disabilities want to be active in their community, but we need your help and the help of our elected officials. You may not be living with a disability or have a relative or loved one who is currently disabled. None of us is immune from the risk. In a flash, your life could change forever, and that’s why I urge you to contact your Senators and Representatives to support this bill. We can stand up for those who can't.