From Dana Reeve
Yes, it’s a form letter — no surprise, given the perhaps millions of emails the Reeve family received after the untimely death of their beloved Christopher Reeve. However, I wanted to share it because you know what, I was floored that I’d receive any response at all to the short condolence note I posted on the Paralysis Foundation’s website on the day Christopher Reeve passed away:
Reprinted without permission, but in the hopes that others will visit the Paralysis Foundation, read its materials and consider lending their support — financial or otherwise — to this worthy cause.
[QUOTE begins]
Dear Friend,
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for sending your condolences to me and my family. Your outpouring of support in the days and weeks following Christopher’s passing was truly moving.
Christopher’s determination and compassion are evident in the supporters of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF). I can think of no better legacy than the work and mission of the Foundation. Because of this, I have accepted the nomination to become Chairperson of CRPF, the position previously held by my husband.
I am honored to assume this role, working alongside the outstanding staff of the Foundation and our dedicated volunteers. Together we will continue to fulfill Christopher�s vision of funding research that will lead to effective treatments and cures for paralysis. I can think of no greater source of inspiration, no truer guide on this course than Chris himself. His impact on people living with disabilities, his fight for increases in funding and attention paid to biomedical research — these accomplishments will be his legacy. It is now my job to continue this legacy. As Chair of the Foundation, my priority will be to make Christopher�s dream a reality.
Thank you again for your kind messages. If you are new to the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, I invite you to keep updated on our progress through our online newsletter, Bridging the Gap. Also, you may join our online advocacy group, the Action Network, to have a voice in medical research and disability legislation in Washington, D.C.
Together, the dream shared by Christopher and millions of others will become a reality.
Sincerely,
Dana Reeve
Chairperson, Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation
We Must. We Can. We Will.
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