On Oct. 5, actor-turned-activist Christopher Reeve brought hiscrusade for stem-cell and spinal cord research to Northwestern’sChicago Campus. The occasion was the 50th anniversary of theRehabilitation Institute of Chicago, one of NU’s teachinghospitals. Reeve stressed the importance of bolstering thescientific research.
The keynote speech would be Reeve’s last public appearancebefore he died five days later on Oct. 10 from heart failure.
“He commented on his own faith and belief that this kind ofresearch would help him and others like him walk again,” said JohnKessler, chief of neurology at the Feinberg School of Medicine. “Hepointed out the importance of research being done at theRehabilitation Institute. He was both stirring and humorous at thesame time. He was burning with a fervor.”
Reeve’s impassioned mission brought increased attention to thefield of spinal cord rehabilitation and stem-cell research.
“He visited (NU) twice, and I think most of all, he had anexceedingly positive impact on spinal cord research, and he was astaunch supporter for stem-cell research,” said Kessler. “I thinkhe was an inspiration for everyone here at Northwestern.”
The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation has supportedprograms at the Rehabilitation Institute, Kessler said.
William Rymer, director of research at the RehabilitationInstitute and a professor of medicine, said the foundation fundedthree programs within the institute, all dealing with spinal cordrehabilitation.
Since 1982, the foundation has awarded $48 million in researchgrants, stated its Web site.
Elliot Roth, medical director at the institute and chairman ofphysical medicine and rehabilitation at NU, said he took Reeve on atwo-hour tour during the activist’s day-long stay.
“During that time he had time to interact with researchers andalso with patients and their families,” Roth said. “He seemed verygratified to see the research that was taking place.”
One of the labs Reeve visited was dedicated to “robotic walkingtrainers” that help spinal cord injury patients move and worktoward walking, Roth said.
“He told us he was very moved and gratified to see the directbenefits of his foundation’s contributions,” Roth said.
Beyond monetary support, Kessler said Reeve’s greatestaccomplishments were in terms of “changing public and politicalthought — even changing the views of the scientific community.”Kessler said only a few researchers dedicate themselves to spinalcord research — something Reeve’s relentless campaign worked tochange.
Human embryonic stem cells, when coupled with nanotechnology,have the potential to cure and treat diseases such as Parkinson’sdisease, Alzheimer’s disease and juvenile diabetes, Roth said.Reeve was an activist for stem-cell research because of thepotential to regenerate damaged spinal cord cells.
“While we are extremely saddened and shocked by his death, weare also gratified that he had the opportunity to see the directcontributions of his foundation and that he could see an aggressivecan-do spirit in action,” Roth said. Reach Robert Stein at [email protected].
