September 1, 2012 – U.S. Senate Resolution 531, introduced by Senator Marco Rubio of Florida designates September 2012 as “National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month”. This designation is especially timely given the progress being made toward a cure for spinal cord injury at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.
“I am incredibly grateful to Senator Rubio and the entire U.S. Senate for recognizing National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month” stated Marc Buoniconti, the president of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. “This designation will go a long way in generating more awareness and support for the cutting edge research that is leading us closer to a cure. Our innovative approaches, discoveries, clinical trials, and scientific breakthroughs are offering real hope that a cure will be found soon.”
The resolution passed by the U.S. Senate states, in part “…every 48 minutes a person will become paralyzed, underscoring the urgent need to develop new neuroprotection, pharmacological, and regeneration treatments to reduce, prevent, and reverse paralysis…” It continues, “…increased education and investment in research are key factors in improving outcomes for victims of spinal cord injuries, improving the quality of life of victims, and ultimately curing paralysis.”
“The stories of Americans who suffer from paralysis due to spinal cord injury are often tragic – they are athletes, troops and accident victims whose lives were dramatically changed in a split second,” said Senator Rubio. “Spinal cord injuries don’t just change the lives of those injured, but also their loved ones who often become caregivers and deserve special recognition for all they do. This is the second consecutive year I have sponsored the Senate resolution designating September as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, and I am proud to support this cause. It’s important that we continue raising awareness about spinal cord injury prevention and the work being done to find a cure.”
The resolution further states that the Senate, “continues to support research to find better treatments, therapies, and a cure for paralysis” and “supports clinical trials for new therapies that offer promise and hope to those persons living with paralysis”.
The designation of National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month will build awareness and even more support for The Miami Project and allow the quest for a cure for spinal cord injury to continue.