Unite 2 Fight Paralysis celebrates the long-awaited signing of the first law to enhance federal support for paralysis research, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act (CDRPA) Title XIV of H.R.146, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. After the tragic deaths of Christopher and Dana Reeve, the passionate, volunteer grassroots organization Unite 2 Fight Paralysis stepped in to the void and united the paralysis community in advocating for the CDRPA to become law. The CDRPA passed Congress as the only non-environmental bill included in the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009, which today was signed in to law by President Barack Obama.

The CDRPA cements Christopher and Dana Reeve's vision by promoting collaborative scientific research and advancing rehabilitation research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and developing programs at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to improve the quality of life and long-term health status of persons living with paralysis from any cause. Starting in 2006, Unite 2 Fight Paralysis spearheaded education and advocacy efforts on behalf of the seven-year-old bill through a yearly scientific symposium and rally called Working 2 Walk. Hundreds of paralysis advocates visited Washington, D.C. to learn of advances in paralysis research and effective advocacy techniques, and were empowered to visit, call and email their Members of Congress to urge their support of the CDRPA. This year's Working 2 Walk event will be held in Chicago, August 27 - 29th, where benefits of the CDRPA's passage will be touted by leading paralysis researchers.

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), original sponsor of the CDRPA in 2002 and the driving force behind its passage, remarked, "Today is a day of progress for the millions of Americans who are living with paralysis and multiple sclerosis. This bill will be able to help find ways to improve the lives of so many living with disabilities. By signing this legislation, the President shows his support for the millions of Americans living with paralysis and honors Christopher and Dana Reeve's memory."

Founded in 2005, Unite 2 Fight Paralysis is a volunteer-based, community-driven organization dedicated to uniting the paralysis community and accelerating the advancement of curative therapies that will restore full health and keep the next generation out of wheelchairs. U2FP unites all those affected by paralysis by empowering them as advocates through providing resources, tools, information and activities to strengthen the cure movement.

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Unite 2 Fight Paralysis