PALM BEACH, Fla. -- On October 26, 2000 the Lois Pope LIFE Center at the University of Miami School of Medicine opened its doors, ushering in a new age in neurological research. The dedication ceremony began at 10:00 a.m. on the University of Miami Campus with master of ceremonies and keynote speaker Tom Brokaw. In 1996, Mrs. Pope announced a $10 million gift to the University of Miami to establish the LIFE Center and fund 20 LIFE Fellows for neurological research. This generous commitment is the largest private gift of its kind to support spinal cord research. "In 1994, my good friend Christopher Reeve was the guest of honor at the LIFE Foundation's fundraising gala. I danced with Chris that evening. Three months later, he was paralyzed. Even though tragically stricken, he made a videotaped message for LIFE's 1995 gala. Chris so inspired me with his courage and his faith that I was resolved to help further spinal cord research. Chris has promised me a dance in the near future, and I am looking forward to that dance" said Mrs. Pope.

THE LOIS POPE LIFE CENTER

Miami, Florida - Philanthropist Lois Pope acknowledges Actor Christopher Reeve at the dedication of the Lois Pope LIFE Center, which will serve as the University of Miami's Center for Neuroscience Research. Edward T. Foote II, President of the University of Miami (right) applauds, Thursday, October 26, 2000. Pope donated $10 Million dollars to establish the state of the art facility. Photo: John Harrington

Miami, Florida - Philanthropist Lois Pope greets entertainer Gloria Estefan, Thursday, October 26, 2000 at the dedication of the Lois Pope LIFE Center, which will serve as the University of Miami's Center for Neuroscience Research. Pope donated $10 million dollars to establish the state of the art facility. Photo: John Harrington

At the present time, medical science can offer Chris, Marc Buoniconti, and others paralyzed by spinal cord injury the hope that one day they will walk again. The Lois Pope LIFE Center, Mrs. Pope explains, was conceived with the idea that together we can make one day become some day soon.

"The LIFE Center is also about the faith that Generoso Pope entrusted in me in life and death. The inheritance that he left me created the Lois Pope LIFE Center that will be dedicated on October 26." Pope adds.

The Lois Pope LIFE Center at the University of Miami School of Medicine is the top neurological research facility in the world. Under the direction of Dr. Dalton W. Deitrich the 98,000 square foot building is the most advanced research facility for spinal cord injuries and neurological diseases and disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and stroke - the third leading cause of death in America.

Ten thousand spinal cord injuries occur in the United States each year and millions of people each year are diagnosed with neurodegenerative disease and disorders. With the opening of the Lois Pope LIFE Center, finding a way to end paralysis and cure these debilitating diseases is closer to becoming a reality.

General Norman Schwarzkopf, Gloria Estefan, Nick and Marc Buoniconti and University of Miami President Edward T. Foote, along with the very talented staff of the University of Miami, were at this monumental dedication ceremony.

LOIS POPE IS THRILLED ABOUT CHANGE IN NFL PLAYER KEVIN EVERETT'S PROGNOSIS (September 13, 2007)

A SYMBOL OF HOPE (The Miami Herald, October 26, 2000)

PATHWAY TO HOPE UNFOLDS FOR SPINAL CORD PARALYSIS (The Sun-Sentinel, October 25, 2000)