Circa 2003
THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE PARALYSIS Act of 2003
The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act of 2003 is the first-of-its-kind federal legislation that will find research, rehabilitation and quality of life programs at the National Institutes Of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Deportment of Veterans Affairs. The legislation will benefit persons living with paralysis, their caregivers and their families.
I am honored and humbled to have my name associated with such a powerful piece of legislation,” said Christopher Reeve, chairman of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. “The passage of this bill will send an unprecedented message-the issues of research, rehabilitation and quality of life are paramount to improving the lives of those living with disabilities.”
There are four primary components of the bill. It advances cutting-edge medical research at NIH through the establishment of grants to a consortia of research centers, it establishes a Paralysis Clinical Trials Network and will design rehabilitation interventions for people with paralysis through the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research; it calls for the CDC to carry out projects and interventions to improve the quality of life and long-term health status of persons with paralysis and other physical disabilities, CDC programs will focus on caregiver education, physical activity, prevention of secondary complications and will coordinate services to help remove environmental barriers; also, the bill expands rehabilitation and health sciences research through the Veterans Health Administration.
“Today, through the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act of 2003, we seek to further advance the science needed to help people living with paralysis take their next step and to further advance full participation, independent living, self-sufficiency and equality of opportunity,” said U.S. Senator Tom Harkin. ?
Write to your local representative via www.christopherreeve.org
HELPING CHILDHOOD HUNGER DISAPPEAR

Illusionist David Copperfield hopes to perform his greatest act yet and help end child hood hunger in America. Copperfield joins the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s (EIF) Hunger Free America program and Cruising for a Cause, on a new entertainment-driven Caribbean cruise to benefit childhood hunger programs. “We can make childhood hunger disappear.” says Copperfield. Cruise guests will take part in a treasure hunt to find Copperfield, who will be secretly hidden on board. The winner will be invited to attend his show in Las Vegas, as well as receive a tour of his private museum of magic.
The Entertainment Industry Foundation will direct proceeds from Cruising for a Cause fundraiser to its Hunger Free America program. which was founded by actor Jeff Bridges. Hunger Free America is helping to expand child nutrition programs in every state and raising funds to help support feeding programs for the estimated 13 million children at-risk of hunger in America.
David Copperfield will be joining a strong list of other celebrities who have con tributed their time and efforts to EIF events and initiatives. This list includes: Halle Berry, Jeff Bridges, Pierce Brosnan, Whoopi Goldberg, Nicole Kidman, Lisa Kudrow, Meryl Streep, Robin Williams, Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones. ?
The 8 day/7 night Caribbean cruise will set sail on February 21, 2004