Mission Statement: "The Christopher Reeve Foundation (CRF) is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. CRF's roots stretch back to 1982 when the American Paralysis Association was formed. The founders of the American Paralysis Association had an unwavering belief that researchers and neuroscientists, working together, would find a way to connect and regenerate the damaged nerves and cells that result in paralysis. Today, our belief in a cure is shared by the neuroscientists, researchers, clinicians and, perhaps most importantly, thousands of people living with spinal cord injuries and their families."

Everyone knew Christopher Reeve as Superman, and then in 1995, everyone learned about the cruel irony of the riding accident that turned him into a paraplegic. We remember reading his book, Still Me, and being overwhelmed by the honesty, humor, courage and hope he brought to his all-encompassing challenges. Here was an admirable celebrity (often a contradiction in terms). The tragedy that robbed him of a long life, followed quickly by his wife's subsequent untimely death, is haunting. Attempting to follow his example, we'd like to do our own small part to continue his legacy--let's all help his foundation beat the odds.

Charity Navigator: 2 out of 4 stars

American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP) : A- (in their select group of top-rated charities)