Browse archives: 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995

Published on 11/10/1999 All articles from this issue

'Superman' Reeve more super in real life, as his Celebrity Forum appearance reveals

printer friendly version

By Clyde Noel

Special to the Town Crier

Speaking slowly and softly from a wheel chair on the Flint Center stage last Tuesday, Christopher Reeve described his life since his near-fatal accident.

"For my own personal journey, it's all about learning. I think I learned the hard way, but out of that has come some new knowledge and a new insight and opportunity to do more with my life than I might have done otherwise," Reeve said. "It's how to build a platform to stand on that will be strong enough and secure enough to bear the weight of any event that comes your way. A structure that will support you and your family throughout your lives, because without a platform, without that base, you'll be lost."

Reeve spoke about his near-fatal accident on May 27, 1995, when the horse he was riding threw him and he landed on his head. Reeve's story is a tale of triumph over tragedy.

Reeve recalled that upon waking up paralyzed shortly after the accident, he thought, "This can't be my life, there's been a mistake. I could not believe it was me." But he has reclaimed his life and given hope to hundreds of others around the world who suffer from spinal cord injuries.

Reeve admitted he wouldn't be where he is today without the love and encouragement of his wife, Dana.

"I found nothing is impossible, and one of my goals was to set Dana free. You don't turn your wife into a caretaker - it can break a relationship. The fact that she can go out on her own and continue her career is one of my successful goals," Reeve said.

Reeve explained that, as a disabled 42-year-old man, his emotions are intact but he has had to learn how to cope with his situation. "When I learned my body was trashed and people still loved me and wanted me around - that creates a strong desire to live and try to go forward."

Reeve said he has learned what discrimination is. "The disabled are the last minority in the county. It's the last civil rights movement in United States," he said.

Reeve talked about his incredibly active life before the accident and laments his inability to be physically active now.

"You fight not to feel sorry for yourself," Reeve said. "I set aside 6-8 a.m. each morning for self pity. When that's over, I get on with the rest of the day."

Since the accident, Reeve has spent a lot of time and money on spinal cord research. "I have been a thorn in the side of researchers, but more progress has been made in the last four years than in the previous 40.

"I don't fight to just get myself out of a chair, but to help push science and find the funding," he said. "We will be able to regenerate the spinal cord." Reeve said. "That's the part that challenges and excites me: the drive toward the finish line. I hate being in a wheelchair, but I am grateful for what it has taught me."

Reeve remarked the 20th century is about external things. The next century has to start improving the quality of life for those who are outcasts, those who are suffering and want to get back in society.

Tickets for the Celebrity Forum series, in its 32nd year, are usually sold out. However, tickets may remain for some appearances at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, call 949-7625.