Interesting topic! Allow me to toss in my $.02. It seems to me that Christopher Reeve was in a no-win position: If he utilized his money and fame to try to make a difference in the "SCI world" he would be considered a pampered quad that could never really relate to the "common person's" experience; whereas, if he did nothing, or used his money/fame for only personal gain he would be accused of being selfish, uncaring and egotistical. While his methods may seem flawed to some of us, at least he tried to make a difference, and I can tell you first-hand that he definitely increased awareness and funding of SCI.
I, too, know friends with SCI who spend 24/7/365 focusing on walking again or "overcoming" their paralysis instead of getting out and living a full life with their disability. While I can't completely understand their lifestyle, it's their life and their choice. I've heard numerous stories about the cause of Christopher Reeve's death. The official story is that he died of cardiac arrest while directing a film. But some who knew him told me that he had had serious issues with pressure sores and was so busy and so in-demand that he didn't take proper care of himself--staying in bed until they healed--thus causing infection and ultimately the heart attack, possibly in reaction to antibiotics. Christopher was so driven to find a cure and help others that he ended up shortening his own life. I see his life as both heroic and tragic. Best wishes to all my quad brothers and sisters! Don P. Tempe, AZ C5/6, 31 years post injury On Saturday, June 28, 2014 1:58 PM, Larry Willis <[email protected]> wrote: I agree with you, Greg. Chris Reeve left an amazing legacy. Very few of us will even come close to his accomplishments, SCI or not. Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: Resent-From: [email protected] >From: greg <[email protected]> >Date: June 28, 2014 at 3:15:24 PM EDT >To: <[email protected]> >Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] 16th > > I agree with the "Get busy living " part. But, I must defend Mr. Reeves. As a quad, he did more living than most non quads. He traveled the world, spoke to Congress, directed movies, etc. He did more as a quad than I've done in 50 years. > >Yes he talked about a cure a lot, but he sure lived as a quad a lot. >Greg > > >> Think of all the things that you can accomplish in the next 16 >> years. Don't sit around listening to the Christopher Reeves of the >> world "I'm going to find a cure". Get busy with living! Go get >> em' >> >> Glenn Henry
