[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING DANA REEVE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 2006

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 
life of Dana Reeve, an extraordinary woman whose kindness and 
generosity touched so many, including me.
  Dana Reeve was many things to many people. She was a daughter, a 
sister, a wife, and a mother. She was an accomplished singer, actress, 
author, and motivational speaker. She was a determined advocate and a 
passionate fighter for causes in which she believed. She was, above 
all, a woman whose grace and courage inspired and comforted those in 
need.
  I met Dana several years ago when I began working with her late 
husband, Christopher, on legislation I have introduced to intensify and 
coordinate federal research into paralysis. My bill, the Christopher 
Reeve Paralysis Act, bears her late husband's name because they both so 
impressed me with their positive spirit and tireless determination to 
overcome challenges that would seem insurmountable to most. Dana and 
Christopher both accomplished much in their all too brief time here. 
While many are probably more familiar with Christopher's life and his 
courageous fight to improve the lives of people with paralysis than 
they are with Dana's life and legacy, she was quite remarkable in her 
own right.
  Dana was a founding board member of the Christopher Reeve Foundation 
and became its chair after her husband's death. She also established 
the Foundation's Quality of Life grants program, which has awarded more 
than $8 million to support efforts to improve the lives of people with 
paralysis, and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource 
Center, which promotes the health and well-being of people living with 
paralysis and their families by providing comprehensive information 
resources and referral services. The Foundation itself has helped raise 
more than $46 million for neuroscience research.
  Mr. Speaker, it is always tragic when a loved one leaves this earthly 
life, especially when they had so much life yet to lead. I hope 
everyone grieving Dana's loss will remember that she accomplished much 
and touched the lives of millions whose lives are better for her work 
here. I am certain that she and Christopher are looking down on us 
urging us all to go forward, as their Foundation's motto proclaims, and 
carry on the wonderful work they started. May God bless Christopher and 
Dana Reeve and may He continue to watch over those here who so loved 
them.

                          ____________________