There is movement in Albany to rename the state’s spinal cord injury research fund and its research board in memory of Christopher Reeve, the actor and Pound Ridge resident who became a champion of research in the field after his own life-changing injury.

A bill sponsored by Assemblyman Adam Bradley, D-White Plains, passed the Assembly last week. The legislation would also create an income tax checkoff box for donations to the fund.

“Renaming the fund and board will honor a New York native who worked through his own tragedy to tirelessly try to find a cure for others and will also help raise funds for ongoing research,” Bradley said in a press release. Continue Reading »

Great strides for spinal care

Nicholas Schoenhoff’s spinal cord injury would have left him paralyzed for life 20 years ago but now because of medical advances he is learning to walk again.

“Not so long ago I would never have a chance to walk again,” Nicholas said at the kickoff for the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion fundraiser being held Sunday. Continue Reading »

The ability to regenerate nerve cells in the body could reduce the effects of trauma and disease in a dramatic way. In two presentations at the NSTI Nanotech 2007 Conference, researchers describe the use of nanotechnology to enhance the Regeneration of nerve cells.

In the first method, developed at the University of Miami, researchers show how magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) may be used to create mechanical tension that stimulates the growth and elongation of axons of the Central Nervous System neurons. The second method from the University of California, Berkeley uses aligned nanofibers containing one or more growth factors to provide a bioactive matrix where nerve cells can regrow. Continue Reading »

There is something faulty about using the word “handicapped” to describe Stephanie Dodd. A spinal cord injury left her legs paralyzed, but she has done much more than just recover or rehabilitate. And for her world champion efforts, they threw a little party for her Wednesday at Siskin Hospital.

“There’s nothing like wearing a shirt with your country’s name on it when you’re in an international event,” beamed Stephanie Dodd. And she did much more than just represent the US of A in Australia last month. She even brought home a silver medal.

“Ever since I was a child,” she continued, “I wanted to represent my country in a sport. When I became disabled as a teenager, I didn’t really think that was possible anymore.” Continue Reading »

Newswise — The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Human Stem Cell Core Facility, which supports multiple research projects using stem cells to advance the understanding and ultimately the treatment of disease and injury, will receive a $2.8 million Shared Research Laboratory Grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). The funding will be used to upgrade the current core facility, and to support the establishment of a new satellite facility to expand the resources available to investigators.

“The support provided by this grant will allow UCSD to enhance our collaborative stem cell program so that we may accelerate our goals of improving health and conquering disease through regenerative medicine,” said Marye Anne Fox, UCSD Chancellor. Continue Reading »

The Determined2heal Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit foundation. The foundation was created after Josh Basile, a Maryland teenager, suffered a spinal cord injury in Bethany Beach, Delaware during the summer of 2004. The accident left Josh, a former college tennis player, paralyzed from the shoulders down. His experiences motivated him to make a difference in the lives of others.

Information for individuals with disabilities living in Pennsylvania, including assistive technology, adapted sports, and employment.