(Warwick, R.I.) Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) joined the Reeve and Morosini families, the spinal cord injury community and many others worldwide in mourning the passing of Dana Reeve, the widow of late actor Christopher Reeve and Chairwoman of the Christopher Reeve Foundation.  She died late Monday, following a battle with lung cancer. 

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and role model, Dana Reeve,” said Langevin.  “In her short life, she faced the most overwhelming challenges and handled them with inspiring strength and grace.” 

Following her husband’s accident, Mrs. Reeve helped establish the Christopher Reeve Foundation and became a champion for other families, using her own experience to improve the quality of life for all people with paralysis.

“Through her own courage and commitment, she showed us all how to take care of those we love,” continued Langevin.  “I was so grateful when she took up the mantle after Chris's death to continue the work that he started.  It is up to all of us now to move forward and continue their legacy.  Dana will be greatly missed and our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends and all those who mourn her.”

Langevin worked closely with Christopher and Dana Reeve in recent years on a range of issues that affect people living with paralysis and their loved ones.  He was involved in establishing the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center (PRC), a federally funded program, which promotes the health and well-being of people living with paralysis and their families by providing comprehensive information resources and referral services. 

In 2001, Langevin joined the Reeves in promoting the expansion of embryonic stem cell research, which offers the promise of cures for spinal cord injuries and many other disabilities and chronic conditions.  In February 2005, Mrs. Reeve joined Langevin as his guest at the State of the Union in Washington, DC.  Most recently, they appeared together at a “Cure Paralysis Now” rally held in Washington on April 12, 2005 urging passage of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act, which would coordinate and expand research, rehabilitation, and quality of life programs for people with spinal cord injuries.

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