Heumann Appointed Member of Foundation Leadership Board
SHORT HILLS, N.J., /PRNewswire/ — The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation (CDRF) today announced that Daniel Heumann and his foundation, the Daniel Heumann Fund for Spinal Cord Research–a tax-exempt foundation dedicated to helping medical science find a cure for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury–has joined CDRF. This new collaboration will strengthen CDRF’s efforts to find treatments and cures for paralysis and continuously push the boundaries of research. In his new role, Heumann will serve as a member of the Foundation’s new Leadership Board. Additionally, CDRF has created the Daniel Heumann Young Scientist Fund as part of its Individual Research Grants program.
Heumann’s commitment and passion to spinal cord research mirrors that of CDRF’s two founders. Since founding the Fund in 1986 following a car accident that left him paralyzed two weeks before his freshman year of college, Heumann has raised more than 4 million dollars for research centers all over the world.
“Danny is an extraordinary person who has dedicated his life to finding a cure for paralysis. His tireless work for better research, better treatments and a better future for people living with paralysis inspires us to fight even harder. We are honored to have Danny on our new Leadership Board and as a partner in our quest,” said Peter T. Wilderotter, President of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.
The Leadership Board was recently created to expand CDRF’s outreach by growing a presence in communities across the country and engaging younger generations in the work spearheaded by Christopher and Dana Reeve.
The launch of the Daniel Heumann Young Scientists Fund will encourage some of today’s brightest young scientists to find cures and treatments for spinal cord injury. The Fund will support their postdoctoral fellowships, which are often the first independent funding obtained by young researchers. Furthering research was a focus of both Christopher and Dana Reeve, whose memory continues to rally the medical, scientific and paralysis communities.
“Two decades ago, my life changed dramatically, but I believe I was put in my wheelchair to make a positive change in this world. My paralysis has motivated me to give back to society and make my life more worthwhile. Through the Daniel Heumann Fund for Spinal Cord Research, and now through CDRF, I am an advocate in both the private and public sector in raising awareness and money on behalf of the four million Americans living with paralysis,” said Heumann. “The Daniel Heumann Young Scientists Fund will proudly support the training and development of dedicated young researchers who are poised to deliver the answers that will move us closer to those therapies and treatments that can improve the lives of those living with paralysis worldwide. We will find a cure, and these scientists will help us reach that day.”
In the years since he was paralyzed, Heumann has worked tirelessly to promote research and improve quality of life of those living with paralysis. He also graduated college, received his law degree, married, and had a child. Today, in addition to his advocacy efforts, Heumann is a motivational speaker and inspires people to live an active and full life. If you want more information about Danny, please visit http://www.heumannlycapable.com.
About CDRF
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. For more information please visit our website at http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.ddJFKRNoFiG/b.4048063/k.C5D5/Christopher_Reeve_Spinal_Cord_Injury_and_Paralysis_Foundation.htm or call 800-225-0292.
Source: The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
