The Daily Tell

Two foundations have announced they will merge in order to help those who face paralysis.

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and the Life Rolls On Foundation announced the merger on September 25, which would have been Chrisopher Reeve’s 57th birthday. Christopher Reeve, who suffered paralysis due to an accident in an equestrian competition in 1995, died of heart failure on October 10, 2004.

As a result of the merger, the Los Angeles-based Life Rolls On Foundation will act as the West Coast headquarters for the Reeve Foundation. Peter T. Wilderotter, president and CEO of the Reeve Foundation, said that the merger represents an important moment in the cause of dealing with paralysis.

"The Reeve Foundation and Life Rolls On believe that charting a new course and unifying the [spinal cord injury] community is necessary to create a better future and realize the greatest potential for discoveries, interventions and advancements, and for the best overall outcomes for the paralysis community as a whole," Wilderotter said.

Both organizations have focused on trying to improve the lives of those who have suffered spinal cord injuries. The Life Rolls On Foundation was founded by Jesse and Josh Billauer and works to help young people deal with paralysis through sports activities.

Jesse Billauer, who suffered a spinal cord injury because of a surfing accident in 1996, will continue to serve as a spokesman for the foundation. Josh Billauer will head a committee to help guide the West Coast office and will also join the Reeve Foundation board of directors.

According to a study started by the Reeve Foundation, about one in 50, or approximately 6 million people, live with paralysis in the United States. Some of the major causes of paralysis include spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and having a stroke.