Ok so everybody knows that I'm running the New York City Marathon in support of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, right? Well, did you know that all this fundraising isn't only about curing paralysis, but it's also equally about improving the quality of life for everyone who is living with paralysis NOW?
It's true! Dana Reeve created the Reeve Foundation's Quality of Life program to "recognize and support organizations that help disabled individuals, their families and caregivers in ways that more immediately give them increased independence, day-to-day happiness, and improved access." And since it's inception in 1999, the Reeve Foundation's Quality of Life program has provided almost 1,500 grants totaling nearly $12 million to organizations worldwide.I know from watching my dad for the past 14 years, life can be very difficult and frustrating for people living with paralysis. There are so many little things that you and I don't think twice about that can be major barriers or challenges for people with disabilities. For my dad, daily routines such as grooming, dressing, and preparing meals pose major challenges and take a lot of time. So once he finally gets out the door to go somewhere, you can imagine the frustration at not being able to get in to where he needs to go. For my dad, a 3-inch high curb may as well be the Great Wall of China because there is no way he can get over it.
This is where the Quality of Life program comes in. Grants are awarded in 3 categories: Actively Achieving, Bridging Barriers, Caring and Coping. Recently, the Reeve Foundation has awarded grants to help build accessible playgrounds, train therapy dogs, provide financial aid for attendant care, build ramps, develop assistive technology, and much more of course!
You too can help improve the quality of life for individuals living with paralysis by making a donation!! http://teamreevenyc08.kintera.org/dawnhering
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