This bill being passed is so overdue it's insane. I have no idea why it wasn't passed years ago. Obama has passed this and reversed Bush's veto on Stem Cell funding. He has done more for a cure for paralysis in two months than Bush did in 8 years. Actually Bush pushed the cure backwards.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090330/ap_ ... ma_reeve_2
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Obama signs Reeve bill on paralysis research
By MATTHEW DALY,
Associated Press Writer Matthew Daly,
Mon Mar 30, 2009
WASHINGTON – A new law named for "Superman" actor Christopher Reeve will coordinate research on paralysis and rehabilitation.
President Barack Obama signed the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act on Monday, one of several pieces of legislation along with a measure designed to expand wilderness protection. Lawmakers brought almost 170 bills for Obama to sign.
The Reeve measure is intended to improve coordination of research and treatment for paralyzed persons and others with disabilities. The late Christopher Reeve became an advocate for embryonic stem-cell research after he was paralyzed in a 1995 horseback riding accident in Virginia. Reeve died in 2004 of heart failure.
Obama said the new law "will connect the best minds and best practices from the best labs in the country and focus their endeavors through collaborative scientific research into the cure for paralysis, saving effort, money and, most importantly, time."
The law designates the National Institutes of Health to coordinate research and work with other agencies and private groups to enhance paralysis research, rehabilitation and treatment programs.
"Today is a day of progress for the millions of Americans who are living with paralysis and multiple sclerosis," said Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, a co-sponsor of the measure.
The new law will help scientists "find ways to improve the lives of so many living with disabilities, bringing hope to those in need," Harkin said.
Dana Reeve, Christopher Reeve's widow, died of lung cancer in 2006. Christopher Reeve's son, Matthew Reeve, attended the bill signing.
Obama signs Christopher Reeve bill on Paralysis Research
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Christopher
- Posts: 845
- Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2003 10:09 pm
- Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: Date of Injury: 12/15/02
Level of Injury:
-dominant side C5, C6, & C7 avulsed. C8 & T1 stretched & crushed
BPI Related Surgeries:
-2 Intercostal nerves grafted to Biceps muscle,
-Free-Gracilis muscle transfer to Biceps Region innervated with 2 Intercostal nerves grafts.
-2 Sural nerves harvested from both Calves for nerve grafting.
-Partial Ulnar nerve grafted to Long Triceps.
-Uninjured C7 Hemi-Contralateral cross-over to Deltoid muscle.
-Wrist flexor tendon transfer to middle, ring, & pinky finger extensors.
Surgical medical facility:
Brachial Plexus Clinic at The Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
(all surgeries successful)
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
~Theodore Roosevelt - Location: Los Angeles, California USA