Some Say Reeve concentrated too much on the search for a cure.

D

deafdyke

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2003
Messages
15,787
Reaction score
301
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/he...19/reeve_leaves_complex_legacy_paralyzed_say/
Thought this was an interesting article. I was very surprised to see this in a MAINSTREAM newspaper. What does everyone else think? Do you think that Reeve concentrated too much on the search for a cure rather then learning to live with his disabilty or seeking other ways to better the life of those with physical disabilties?
 
Maybe he did but he sure got society's attention and that will result in a cure someday.

I think that he did learned how to adapt with his disability but remember he was not disabled until in late adulthood so he probably needed many years to get used to it, unlike many who were born with disabilities or got them at an earlier age.

Reeve will leave behind a ever lasting legacy for many generations to come.
 
I think it's great that he tried to find a cure. He couldn't move or do much so he probably felt that he would be better off putting himself to as much use as possible instead of sitting around staring at whatever is in front of him.
 
I think he wanted to do this before he passed away, and I'm sure he is proud of what he had done so far.....

I mean who would want to live for the rest of their lives by not be able to walk again?...I don't think that what he wanted to hear that or the others for that matter....

He did great on trying to find a cure, he didn't give up either and I'm sure they will still keep on doing it for him since he was the one who started it...

To me, he is a hero to those who has physical disabilties!
 
If it aint for Christopher Reeve's crusade, stem cell research would have been largely ignored.....


Now my daughter will benefit from the legacy Christopher Reeve left behind......

He is truly a Superman of Supermen.
 
Without Christopher Reeves exposure largely because of his popularity and status as a movie star, being somewhat looked upon as a 'childhood hero' to many youngsters throughout the world, utilizing this status for purposes of attaining more awareness in the world he lived in during his last years of his life by his committment...Like Sablescourt indicated...he's truly a Superman of supermen....
 
I concur with several members here about Reeve using his status as an actor -- because he knew that due to his status, people would listen and look up to him and to what he encouraged about supporting stem cell research.
I believe that he was a strong advocate of stem cell research in order to keep himself in check, stay positive and have something to look forward in life -- at the same time he did work on getting adapted to the fact that he had to live with a permanent physical disability.
 
I think he did a great job. He did what he knew he could do. Now, because he died recently it is STILL getting attention. It's not dying any soon. The issues on this disability is not dead just because Reeves died. People are still remembering him, and because of his dead now people are going to have more sympathy and understanding towards others like him elsewhere. They will remember him in these people out there. BTW, it's not Reeve's job to get all the attention just because he's a star. He also did all of that to do something with his life. He DID eventually came to term with his disability. I guess because he was rich and had more access that it was easier on him and went far to discuss a cure for it instead.
 
Even though Reeve went after the cure, he did it at the enormous expense of people and organizations who were for disability advocacy and accessibility.

I cant say I'm proud of him. And to see that he bought the farm over a simple bed sore when he had easy access to premium health care when most people with disabilities dont even have any access to the same is a message from the supreme being upstairs that it was time for him to stop hurting the disability advocacy industry.

Richard Roehm
 
** I will leave my opinions about society, and their views of celebrities, out of this comment **

I work with many individuals with disabilities, it has been my field for a little while. Although I commend Reeve for his effort, I would agree that the immediate situation needs attention.

You can't put a band-aid on a soldier who has lost their arm, while you go and look for a way to create a new arm for him.

There are tons of people with disabilities (aquired, or developmental) who could use a lot more funding at present.

The bottom line is, you need to put money into both aspects. Money for research, Money for the present situation (ie; ramps, elevators, better at home service, Sheep skin blankets to help prevent bed sores)

Pressure sores or decubitus ulcers (bed sores) are not simple, and are much easier to prevent, than to heal. They can damage or destroy skin, muscle, bone and connective tissue.
 
I mean who would want to live for the rest of their lives by not be able to walk again?...
Click to expand...
Hey Angel, walking is not that big of a deal. I remember a thread over at a forum for wheelchair users, and the ones who were quadupalics (paralyzed from neck down) said that if they were parapalgics (paralyzed from waist down) they wouldn't consider themselves disabled b/c they could do anything and everything but walk. Besides, most wheelchair users aren't wheelchair bound (the same way that most Deaf people aren't monolingal but know both speech AND sign) They use their wheels to give them freedom. One of my best friends here can walk with a walker, but can't do it for long distances so uses both a manual and electric chair to get around.
 
Actually, all communities need somebody like Christopher Reeve. Whether or not he was 'too' focused on a cure doesn't matter. What matters is that he has done a lot to work towards a cure....a cure that just a few years ago was thought to be impossible. Once in a wheelchair, many were told they would remain in that chair for the rest of their lives. Who would have thought that in just a few years, there may be a common cure to what would have been a lifetime of paralysis?

Every community needs a voice and he was the voice for working towards a miracle. He brought a lot of things to the forefront (cure and otherwise) that otherwise may have gone unnoticed.
 
I believe he did an important thing in focusing for a cure. He may have done it for himself, but as he was in a wheelchair, he could sympathise with other people and understand their problems. People remember him as Superman, so having a celebrity face is even better, gives them more hope and encouragement. It's important to never give up and keep on searching.
 
deafdyke said:
Hey Angel, walking is not that big of a deal. I remember a thread over at a forum for wheelchair users, and the ones who were quadupalics (paralyzed from neck down) said that if they were parapalgics (paralyzed from waist down) they wouldn't consider themselves disabled b/c they could do anything and everything but walk. Besides, most wheelchair users aren't wheelchair bound (the same way that most Deaf people aren't monolingal but know both speech AND sign) They use their wheels to give them freedom. One of my best friends here can walk with a walker, but can't do it for long distances so uses both a manual and electric chair to get around.
Click to expand...

Thank you, DD! I was going to post something similiar, but you posted what I wanted to say even better than I, so I will let this speak for myself as well.

I never came out and said this before, but I have eluded to this elsewhere on the site from time to time. I am physically disabled and wheelchair "bound", as some people might put it. However, I do not consider myself "bound" at all. My chair gives me the freedom to be as self sufficient as possible given my level of disabilty. I was born with spina bifida ( a hole in my spine), and have used my wheelchair exclusively since roughly the age of 11. Before that, I used braces and crutches and could walk. But, I made a choice to stop wearing the braces, and it was the best decision I ever made for myself! I don't regret it, nor do I resent being in the chair now! Heck, I don't even remember what it "feels like" to be on my feet anymore! LOL

In short, I am happy. The chair has given me a measure of independance that I never had when I used my other "gear".
 
Last edited:
a member posted on my forum
source: HearingExchange

Message: They have a photo in the Korean Times of the woman getting around on crutches. She is at the hotel with the docs.

PHOTO CAPTION
A patient unable to walk for the past 19 years du
e to a spinal injury takes steps after receiving stem cell therapy at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul, Thursday.

KOREA TIMES

http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/200411/kt2...17575710440.htm

Not verification and the docs are careful to say more research is needed on more patients, but the tone of the article is wow man, this is really something.

They don't know how long it will last. She was treated Oct 2004, and was able to hobble around in 15 days. Lets hope she continues to improve and the cells continue to be safe.
Click to expand...

you see this lady had a chance! Reeves didn't in this good ole us!
 
Back
Top