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FRAMINGHAM, MA – April 1, 2014 – Advocates is proud to announce that it has received a $2,600 Quality of Life grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to benefit brain injury survivors in Lexington. The award was one of 102 grants totaling over $500,000 awarded by the Reeve Foundation to nonprofit organizations nationwide that provide more opportunities, access, and daily quality of life for individuals living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers. Created by the late Dana Reeve, the program has awarded 2,307 grants totaling over $17 million since 1999.
“We are honored to be chosen by the Reeve Foundation to receive funding from among the many organizations nationally that submit grant requests,” said Diane Gould, president and CEO of Advocates. “It can be difficult for individuals with brain injury and paralysis to participate in typical recreational activities but with special equipment such as the cycle we’ve purchased with the Reeve Foundation grant, we’re able to open up new possibilities.”
Advocates used the grant to purchase a tandem recumbent cycle that will allow brain injury survivors with paralysis to experience the physical, social, and emotional benefits of cycling. By riding tandem with a staff person, family member or friend, participants can safely enjoy cycling, for many an activity they have not been able to perform since sustaining their injuries. The adaptive cycle will be housed at Douglas House in Lexington, a supported housing program for people with brain injuries operated by Advocates and Supportive Living, Inc. Douglas House is located in Lexington Center just steps from the Minuteman Bikeway, a 10‐mile rail trail that is one of the most popular trails in the region.
“In the pursuit to achieve greater independence for individuals living with paralysis, the Reeve Foundation is honored to provide Quality of Life grants to organizations that support the paralysis community nationwide,” said Niketa Sheth, Senior Vice President of Quality of Life, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. “Each organization selected for a grant provides stellar curriculum or service that empowers, educates and reinvigorates people living with paralysis. We are proud to raise awareness and fund these pioneering programs that aim to improve the freedom and wellbeing of our community.”
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Quality of Life grants program was conceived by the late Dana Reeve to address the myriad needs of children and adults with paralysis and other mobility impairments and their families. Grants support critical life‐enhancing and life‐changing initiatives that improve physical and emotional health and increase independence. Funded projects offer a diversity of services and approaches: improving access; providing education and job training; sponsoring organized sporting activities; and much more. Quality of Life grants are funded through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Award #U59DD000838).
