STUDENT SOCIETY FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH PRESS RELEASE Media Contact: Marion J. Riggs 813.368.8937 mjriggs@ssscr.org

On October 10, 2005, the Student Society for Stem Cell Research is launching the Campaign to Cure Paralysis (C2CP) by holding Nothing Is Impossible candlelight vigils at campuses throughout the United Sates. The C2CP is a national effort involving SSSCR chapters at leading national universities, such as Berkeley, Harvard, Dartmouth, Purdue, and Baylor College of Medicine. The C2CP is a strategic alliance with national patient advocacy organizations, including the Daniel Heumann Fund for Spinal Cord Research, Cure Paralysis Now, Stem Cell Action Network and the Genetics Policy Institute.

In America, there are 400,000 people with spinal cord injury, 400,000 individuals living with multiple sclerosis, 1 million people with Parkinson’s, and over 5,000 annual diagnosis of ALS. Stem cell research is casting new light on these conditions as potentially treatable. Recent research at the University of California at Irvine has proven the amazing potential of stem cells in regenerating motor skills in spinal cord injured mice. The striking advances in the lab used to make Christopher Reeve wistfully ponder, “Oh to be a rat.”

Just as President John F. Kennedy challenged the nation to go to the moon, we must now challenge our country to recognize the urgency to make paralysis a treatable condition that needs a cure.

“On behalf of the Christopher Reeve Foundation, we are delighted to hear students across the country are honoring Chris today by launching a Campaign to Cure Paralysis,” said Kathy Lewis, President and CEO of the Christopher Reeve Foundation. “Emboldened by Christopher’s determination, inspired by his courage, impassioned by his vision, and in his honor I say to you, Go Forward.”

The Christopher Reeve Foundation joins the Student Society for Stem Cell Research in support of The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, advancing all avenues of research at the National Institutes of Health, and actively working to pass the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act in this Congress.

Our generation is ready to carry the flame of Christopher Reeve’s dream for a cure to paralysis.

The Student Society for Stem Cell Research is an international network dedicated to advancing scientific research for cures. The SSSCR network spans over 100 institutions, 35 states, and 10 countries. SSSCR is a special project of the Genetics Policy Institute and a member of the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research.

Visit the Student Society for Stem Cell Research at www.ssscr.org, call 813.368.8937, or email info@ssscr.org.

Our future…our world…our responsibility…