Many of us watched the actor Christopher Reeve fly through the sky as “Superman” in the movie franchise. Now he stars, 20 years after his death, in a documentary that highlights his life story with the spotlight on the impact he made in research to help those with spinal chord injuries.
Christopher Reeve starred in the “Superman” movie series, however, after, suffering from a spinal chord injury that left him paralyzed, he survived because of the benefit of having around-the-clock caregiving. His wife, Dana, managed his caregiving and remained devoted to him as he embarked on rehabilitating from his injury.
Together they succeeded in passing legislation, named “The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act” to secure $25 million, initially, for funding for research on paralysis and other physical disabilities. He also struggled with fighting for insurance coverage for his own needs and included the need for better insurance coverage for people with disabilities in this legislation. He and his wife also co-founded the Reeve-Irvine Research Center.
About a quarter of a million Americans live with paralysis and as many as 5 million are living with paralysis of the extremities. This legislation improved the quality of life and long-term health status of individuals with spinal cord injuries. The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), via this legislation, now had the capability to focus on helping those with spinal cord disabilities.
The damages to the vertebrae often prevent the nerve cells from being able to communicate with the brain and the rest of the body.
Watch the movie to see the positive impact Christopher Reeve left behind to help those with paralysis….becoming a real-life “Superman”.
