Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Dana Reeve who passed away last night, following a battle with lung cancer.

I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend and would like to take a moment to reflect on her life.  She faced extraordinary challenges, and handled them with the utmost grace, dignity and strength.

When her husband was first injured, Dana helped establish the Christopher Reeve Foundation.  Recognizing a lack of any place to go for comprehensive information for newly injured patients and their families, she worked tirelessly to establish the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center.  Since the launch of this center in 2002, it has assisted thousands of spinal cord injured patients and their loved ones in dealing with the many issues and anxieties that come along with such an injury.  Dana used her personal experience to improve the quality of life for all people living with paralysis.

This was typical of Dana, to see beyond her own circumstances and find a way to ease the suffering and confusion of others.  After her husband’s passing, she moved forward with his message of hope and healing.  Today, it is up to all of us to continue their legacy.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Dana Reeve’s family, friends and all those who mourn her.