“The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation’s two-fold mission is to fund cutting-edge medical research and to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities.  At the same time, groups such as the National Organization on Disability and the American Association for People with Disabilities work daily to secure the rights of the disabled.  I am honored to serve as vice-chairman of the National Organization on Disability.  The pursuit of scientific medical research and the pursuit of equal rights for people with disabilities are not mutually exclusive and should continue simultaneously.  

“The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation’s quest to find therapies and cures for paralysis will help those who are disabled like me, as well as those afflicted with disease.  A moratorium or ban on therapeutic cloning would slam the door on promising research that could ease the suffering of millions.

“Until there is a cure, caring today for people with disabilities remains a priority of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation.  By awarding bi-annual grants, we seek to improve opportunities, access and the day-to-day quality of life for individuals and their families living with disabilities - primarily paralysis.  To date we have given more than $2 million to organizations dedicated to providing services needed by the disabled.

“And, on May 1, 2002, the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation will open a new Paralysis Resource Center.  The center will provide a comprehensive library, website, educational materials, referral services, and self-help information for those who live with paralysis, their families and caregivers.”

EDITOR’S/REPORTER’S NOTE: This statement is in response to a letter being sent to President Bush today calling for a moratorium on therapeutic cloning by the World Institute on Disability and the American Association of People with Disabilities.

Christopher Reeve is the Chairman of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF). CRPF is a national non-profit organization that encourages and supports research to develop effective treatments and  cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. The Foundation also allocates a portion of its resources to grants that improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.