Why You Should Attend The Reeve Summit 2026

The 2026 Reeve Summit, Where Care, Cure, and Community Connect, is more than just an event; it’s a powerful gathering of voices, ideas and breakthroughs that you won’t find anywhere else. Registration is still open to join us for the chance to connect with hundreds of people from the paralysis community in Boston from May 6–8.

“This one-of-a-kind experience brings together individuals living with paralysis, caregivers, families, healthcare professionals, scientists, innovators, advocates and policymakers, all in the same room,” says Mark Bogosian, Director of Outreach, Education & Engagement for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation's National Paralysis Resource Center.

The three-day event kicks off with an energetic opening reception featuring live music, light bites and a conversation with the event emcee, Ali Stroker, a Tony Award-winning actress, singer and author. Stroker made history as the first actor in a wheelchair to appear on Broadway and has appeared in several acclaimed series, including Netflix’s Echoes and Ozark, and Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building.

“The evening is a celebration and a chance to mingle with speakers, Reeve Foundation staff and fellow attendees in a relaxed and welcoming environment,” says Bogosian. “The Reeve Summit offers a rare opportunity to connect, learn and be inspired by the people shaping the future of care and cure. Every day is full of knowledge and learning.”

The Reeve Summit’s second day will feature four sessions on topics ranging from research updates to wellness across the lifespan, sharing healthy aging considerations. Other sessions focus on practical guidance for getting started with an adaptive sport and on strategies for championing a new way of thinking about caregiving as a partnership.

“It is magical,” says Mason Branstrator, a prior summit attendee. “When you're in a room full of people that are facing the same struggles that you are, it creates an atmosphere where things just feel possible.”

The afternoon highlight is a fireside chat with Marissa Bode, star of the epic Universal Pictures feature Wicked. Bode’s keynote will explore the history of disability in entertainment and the expanding employment opportunities for creatives living with disabilities.

Many breaks offered throughout the day give participants additional opportunities to chat with experts and peers and connect with over two dozen exhibitors. Attendees can learn about Onward Medical’s new devices or HelpHopeLive’s crowdfunding platform. There will also be wheelchair repair from the Permobil Foundation and information about accessible activities from New England Disabled Sports.

“The entire event is built around our community of people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices,” says Bogosian. “Too often our community is approached as an add-on. Here, everything is designed around our community. This is the Reeve Foundation mission in action.”

Two trusted Reeve Foundation experts, Dr. Marco Baptista, the Reeve Foundation’s Chief Scientific Officer, and Linda M. Schultz, known throughout the community as “Nurse Linda,” will hold office hours during session breaks to answer questions about SCI research or healthcare. Complementary headshots are also available to attendees and their caregivers.

The final Reeve Summit day includes three additional sessions focused on the Reeve Foundation’s role in developing emerging treatments and therapies, on the importance of the community voice and on learning practical skills to become a confident advocate for the community.

“All sessions are built around the lived experience with paralysis. Our speakers are community members and leaders in their field,” says Bogosian. “The whole event is well-representative of the community with so many opportunities to engage and network.”

Zoe Rollins, a prior summit attendee, enjoyed connecting with others her age, stating, “It's a setting where everyone else can relate to you. It's like a breath of fresh air. Every time I come to one of these, I learn something new.”

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary community. Register today and experience the impact firsthand. Registration closes April 13.