InVivo Therapeutics sponsors fundraising event to support patients with spinal cord injuries

InVivo Therapeutics will be the lead champion level sponsor for the black tie gala fundraiser to support the Greater Boston Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, a non-profit organization that offers programs and services to those with spinal cord injury/disease (SCI).

The RISE Above Paralysis Gala will take place at 6:00pm on March 20, 2010 at the Hyatt Hotel at Logan Airport in East Boston. It will attract approximately 250 individuals, including persons with SCI, health care professionals and philanthropists. There will be an inspirational video, live entertainment by Bellevue Cadillac as well as a silent auction.

“As a spinal cord injury patient myself, I am personally thrilled to be able to support the Greater Boston Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association”

“As a spinal cord injury patient myself, I am personally thrilled to be able to support the Greater Boston Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association,” said Frank Reynolds, President and CEO of InVivo Therapeutics Corporation. “For the past four and a half years I have observed the Greater Boston Chapter flourish and make a significant difference in the lives of spinal cord injury patients and the lives of our families. As the CEO of InVivo Therapeutics, I lead a team that just applied for human studies to treat acute spinal cord injuries utilizing our biomaterials-based technology. I keep our entire team laser-beam focused to expand upon the acute technology to meet the needs of all chronic patient groups,” said Reynolds.

Every year in Massachusetts more than 300 people suffer a spinal cord injury/disease. The impact on the lives of individuals and families is almost total, requiring navigation of the healthcare system, securing and learning to use technological support and making adjustments to homes, logistics, jobs, personal relationships, self-definition, and more. Through its Early Intervention Program, Greater Boston Chapter staff members personally visit patients and their families, offering resources, vital information, volunteer peer visitors, advocacy and education. The Chapter's Peer Visitation Program was praised by the late Christopher Reeve for recognizing and addressing the deeply emotional issues surrounding spinal cord injury; the program pairs newly injured individuals with role models who have successfully adjusted to their new lives, who can answer all questions and exemplify solutions. Beyond the Early Intervention and Peer Programs, the Chapter provides support groups, advocacy services, a Wheelchair Van Giveaway Program as well as social and sporting events.

Over the past 18 years, the Greater Boston Chapter has served thousands of individuals across Massachusetts and New England by offering them the hope they need to live successful, fulfilling lives after a life-altering spinal cord injury/disease. Once thought to be incurable, research scientists now believe that stem cells and other therapies will offer a cure in the future. Until that time arrives, the Greater Boston Chapter remains focused on helping those with SCI stay healthy both physically and mentally.

The organization’s Executive Director, David Estrada, had the following to say about InVivo Therapeutics: “InVivo has supported our Chapter from day one. We depend on corporate philanthropy to support our non-profit organization so that we can continue to have a positive impact on individuals and families affected by spinal cord injury/disease until InVivo's research provides a cure for SCI.”