Christopher Reeve Officially Launches Spark of Life Campaign at The Toronto Hospital

(Toronto--September 4, 1996) Actor Christopher Reeve officially launched today the
Spark of Life fundraising campaign. The $21 million endowment campaign will raise funds to support research in neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy and stroke, and to fund research in brain and spinal cord injuries. A portion of the funds will also go toward purchasing equipment to further advance research in the neurosciences.

The Spark of Life campaign is a joint effort on behalf of The Toronto Hospital and The Hospital for Sick Children, Canada's largest acute care teaching facilities for adults and children, respectively. To date, $7 million - a third of the goal - has been raised.

Neurological diseases are the third most common cause of death after heart disease and cancer and the leading cause of disability in Canada. It is estimated that one in five Canadians suffers from some form of neurological disorder. Neurological diseases and injuries also represent a major cost factor to the health care system. For instance, the cost of stroke in Canada is estimated to be $2.5 billion a year; and spinal cord injuries are estimated at $4 million per injured over a lifetime.

"Neurological diseases and injuries have a devastating impact on those affected, their families and the community," says Mr. Richard Falconer, Chair of the Spark of Life Campaign. "Our goal is to advance research to improve the care and quality of life of patients affected by neurological diseases and injuries."
"Over the years, The Toronto Hospital has gained an international reputation for excellence in patient care, research and teaching in the neurosciences," says Dr. Alan Hudson, President and CEO of The Toronto Hospital. "The funds from the Spark of Life Campaign will continue the excellent work of our researchers who are dedicated to neurological diseases and brain and spinal cord injuries research."

"Research in the neurosciences is a priority at The Toronto Hospital," says Dr. Charles Tator, Head of The Toronto Hospital Neurosciences Centre and Dan Chair of Neurosurgery at The Toronto Hospital and University of Toronto. "Research is the cornerstone of innovative patient care, rehabilitation and prevention. We need everyone's support for this important endeavour." Of the $21 million campaign, $5 million is earmarked for the establishment of the Brain Tumor Research Centre, located at The Hospital for Sick Children and jointly operated by Sick Kids and The Toronto Hospital.

For more information, contact Josey Panetta, Senior Media Relations Officer, The Toronto Hospital, 416-340-3303.

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