|
Our Story:
On April 25, 1998 the life of a Marquette University student, Bryon Riesch,
changed forever. A devastating accident left Bryon paralyzed from the
chest down, with limited use of his arms. In order to assist Bryon and
his family through a difficult time, friends and family quickly pulled
together to help with a fundraiser. Those same friends and family have
now helped to form the Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation (BRPF) to help
others faced with a similar situation.
Established in January of 2001, the
BRPF is a 501(c)3 that has utilized the tremendous support and community reaction
that was demonstrated after Bryon's injury. Since then, through donations
and fundraisers over $1,000,000 has been raised to go directly towards the
fight against paralysis.
back to top |
|
|
What We Face:
Until recently spinal cord injuries were thought to be incurable. Now the question is no longer is a cure probable, but when is it possible. Scientists and researchers alike have made great strides in the past years. However, for the hundreds of thousands of people suffering from paralysis a cure cannot come soon enough. While costs of taking care of these individuals continue to spiral upwards, research continues to be hard to establish. The current annual cost of injuries are close to $10 billion while the current research investment is less than $100 million from all sources - federal industry, foundations and private donations.
back to top |
|
Reasons for Hope:
By supporting some of the brightest scientific minds of today advances are
happening faster than ever from therapeutic vaccines to axonal regeneration,
stem cell transplantation to exercise and treadmill studies. All of
these move the scientific community closer to finding a cure for paralysis.
(For more information on BRPF sponsored research see
grants
and for other research and SCI Facts see
links.) However without
funding, even the most promising research will not lead to a cure for
paralysis. Today, the need for donations and contributions are
needed more than ever. Please visit 2006
Golf Outing
to find out how to participate in the fight against paralysis or make
a
donation.
back to
top |
