February 29, 2008
Province Supports `Man In Motion' Rick Hansen With $3 Million For Spinal Cord Injury Research, Quality Of Life
– – –Improved Quality of Life, More Research To Result From Investment: Doer
People living with a spinal cord injury will benefit from increased support at the community level for research and an improved quality of life as a result of a $3-million investment in Rick Hansen’s Going Forward Together legacy initiative, Premier Gary Doer announced today.
“Manitobans were touched and inspired by Rick’s Man In Motion World Tour and today we mark its
20th anniversary by continuing to support his vision,” said Doer. “We also recognize the incredible work that is being achieved in spinal cord research and we’re going to continue supporting these efforts by contributing $3 million for more research and quality-of-life initiatives that help to improve the lives of Manitobans living with a spinal cord injury.”
20th anniversary by continuing to support his vision,” said Doer. “We also recognize the incredible work that is being achieved in spinal cord research and we’re going to continue supporting these efforts by contributing $3 million for more research and quality-of-life initiatives that help to improve the lives of Manitobans living with a spinal cord injury.”
“We’re grateful to Premier Doer and the Government of Manitoba for providing the leadership that will help to advance research, remove barriers and improve the quality of life of people living with a spinal cord injury,” said Rick Hansen, president and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation. “Manitoba has a wide range of experts who will share their excellence and knowledge through a national program to translate advancements in research and clinical care into best practice.”
Funding will assist spinal cord research in accelerating the translation of research advances into practical benefits to improve the quality of life for those with spinal cord injuries, as well as provide support and services to help Manitobans living with spinal cord injuries (SCI) adapt and recover to lead a healthy, active and productive life.
The investment, which will be administered by the Canadian Paraplegic Association of Manitoba, will support hiring of a new rehabilitation counsellor, a new peer support co-ordinator and establish an accessibility fund to help modify homes for Manitobans in their transition from hospital or to support their participation in the community.
Experts say breakthroughs in spinal cord research and established best practices show that timely and early intervention after an injury is the key to recovery. Researchers have determined the spinal cord can grow again after being injured and that leading-edge surgery and best practices can reduce paralysis by up to 50 per cent.
In Winnipeg, the Spinal Cord Research Centre is a key resource for advancing the understanding of SCI. Each year, about 60 spinal cord injuries occur in Manitoba. There are approximately 1,000 Manitobans with spinal cord injuries.
Last year the province opened a unique wheelchair ramp at the front entrance to the Manitoba Legislative Building to provide easier access to the historic building for people with disabilities.
Participants in this unique partnership include the departments of family services and housing, intergovernmental affairs, science, technology, energy and mines, Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation and the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba.
Twenty years ago, Rick Hansen toured 34 countries and travelled 40,000 kilometres as part of his legendary Man in Motion tour. For more information, visit www.rickhansen.com.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
Backgrounder
The Government of Manitoba has made progress in response to the needs of Manitobans with disabilities. - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2008/2008feb./RickHansen.PR.HL.doc