Getting One Step CLOSE-R To A Cure For Paralysis

Last fall, I got to meet Glenn Close! What a thrill -- I’ve been a big fan from The Big Chill to Damages, but Fatal Attraction scared the crap out of me. We met at the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation’s annual gala to support those with paralysis. Close spoke passionately of her friendship with Reeve and how excited she is to continue endorsing the cause.

Attending the annual “A Magical Evening” gala was energizing. In addition to Glenn Close, I met many people there who have achieved much in life, even after devastating paralysis. It was also inspiring to get a glimpse of developments for The Big Idea, the campaign to propel the paralysis community into a new era of groundbreaking research for restoring function in those, like me, who suffer from a spinal cord injury.

The evening also galvanized me to redouble my efforts for my annual fundraiser to support their work. I’ve been the top fundraiser for the last couple of years for Eric Legrand’s A Walk to Believe and have raised a combined $25,000 over those two years.

But there is so much more to do. Now that the FDA has approved The Big Idea, researchers can begin to enroll participants in this study. While this is a tremendous milestone for the Reeve Foundation and our community, we have yet to reach our fundraising goal to complete the study.

It is for that reason that I’m doubling my goal this year to $25,000.

Yes, it is ambitious, and even Eric was blown away, but we have no time to wait. This year's Walk is on Sunday, June 3, 2018.

There is so much potential for the work that Reeve sponsors not only through The Big Idea, but elsewhere, such as promising research being done at Rutgers University by Wise Young and The Miami Project, both of which I also support.

Much progress has been made in mitigating the impact of those suffering from cancer, heart disease, and many other conditions. Paralysis research shares the same exciting potential to make as big a difference in people’s lives, but it unfortunately has not received the same level of attention and funding.

And that is exactly why I’m writing today. I'm doing what I can to raise funds and awareness for the exciting prospects ahead and I hope you'll join me. Christopher Reeve said a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.

It’s time to get us out of these chairs. Please help.

Please Make a Pledge to My Roll in 'A Walk to Believe'

Pledges are due by Sunday, June 3, 2018. And if your company offers matching gifts, I hope you’ll consider doubling your contribution in this way.

With great, great appreciation,
Ron