[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING DANA REEVE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MARY BONO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 2006

  Mrs. BONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a 
remarkable woman, Dana Reeve, whose courage and grace in the face of 
life's adversities bring inspiration and hope to millions of people. 
Dana Reeve was the devoted caregiver and wife to her late husband, 
Christopher Reeve, a dedicated mother, an advocate and founding board 
member of the Christopher Reeve Foundation. I am honored to have known 
Dana and to have worked with her on many issues, and I am deeply 
saddened by her passing on March 6, 2006. I ask all of my colleagues to 
join with me today in commemorating the life of this outstanding woman.
  Dana Reeve was born Dana Morosini on March 17, 1961 in New York. Dana 
graduated cum laude from Middlebury College in 1984 and began her 
career in acting and singing with graduate studies at the California 
Institute of the Arts. Drawn together by their mutual love of drama, 
Dana married actor Christopher Reeve in 1992, and later, gave birth to 
their son, William.
  In 1995, Dana Reeve became her husband's constant caregiver and 
supporter after a horseback-riding accident left him paralyzed. Dana 
embodied loyalty and devotion as she selflessly cared for him and her 
family, while being committed to helping others in need. Together with 
her husband, Dana faced challenges with determination and courage.
  After her husband's untimely death in 2004, Dana became the 
chairperson of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, which funds 
research on paralysis and works to improve the lives of people living 
with disabilities. Dana also worked to establish the Quality-of-Life 
grants program and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource 
Center. Under her outstanding leadership, the Foundation has awarded 
more than $8 million in Quality-of-Life grants and more than $55 
million in research grants since its inception. Additionally, she was 
an activist for persons with disabilities and a champion for stem cell 
research.
  Dana served on the boards of The Williamstown Theatre Festival, The 
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, TechHealth, and The Reeve-Irvine 
Center for Spinal Cord Research and was an advisory board member to the 
National Family Caregivers Association.

  Dana received numerous awards for her work, including the Mother of 
the Year Award from the American Cancer Society in 2005, an American 
Image Award from the AAFA in 2003, the Shining Example Award from 
Proctor & Gamble in 1998, and was named by CBS in 1995 as one of 
America's Outstanding Women. Additionally, Dana authored the book Care 
Packages, which was published in 1999.
  A woman who faced some of life's greatest adversities, Dana 
approached each challenge with dignity and grace, remaining optimistic 
in even the most difficult circumstances. In August of 2005, Dana 
announced her battle with lung cancer, only months after her mother 
passed away from complications with ovarian cancer. Her positive 
attitude was an inspiration, and her commitment to encouraging and 
helping others remained strong. Referring to her late husband, Dana 
stated that she views him as the ``ultimate example of defying the odds 
with strength, courage, and hope in the face of life's adversities.'' 
Truly, Dana is deserving of our deepest respect and tribute.
  Dana is survived by her father, Dr. Charles Morosini, sisters Deborah 
Morosini and Adrienne Morosini Heilman, her son William and two 
stepchildren, Matthew and Alexandra. Dana will be remembered by us all 
for her life, her work, her passion to help others, and her courage and 
loyalty in facing life's challenges.
  Mr. Speaker, I would once again like to pay tribute to this 
inspirational woman. Her life was a testament of loyalty and courage, 
and I am honored to speak on her behalf today. I encourage my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating the life of Dana 
Reeve.

                          ____________________