March 05, 2007  - The Christopher Reeve Foundation (CRF) has awarded a $5,000 Quality of Life grant to the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc. (NARHA). The CRF awarded a total of $717,404 in Quality of Life grants to 90 nonprofit organizations around the world. Since 1999, when the Quality of Life program was conceived by the late Dana Reeve as a way for the CRF to help improve the day-to-day health and well being of those living with paralysis, 1,163 grants totaling $9,220,980 have been awarded.

"The Christopher Reeve Foundation is proud to carry on Christopher and Dana Reeve’s amazing legacy and make a real difference in the lives of people living with paralysis, their families and communities," said Kathy Lewis, president and CEO of the CRF. "Our Quality of Life grantees help thousands of individuals go forward to lead happier and healthier lives."

CRF Quality of Life Grants are awarded twice annually to programs or projects that improve the well-being of people living with paralysis, particularly spinal cord injuries. Awarded in 13 categories that span everything from health promotion to employment to sports and recreation, Quality of Life grants address many aspects of life, and are given to programs across the globe. The CRF Quality of Life grant is specifically earmarked for NARHA to develop The Parental and Professional Information Resource Guide. "This guide will help parents understand the outstanding benefits that therapeutic riding offers and find the correct program for their child," says Sheila Kemper Dietrich, NARHA Executive Director. "It will also assist professionals in recommending the right programs to their clients."