Christopher Reeve, known for his iconic role as Superman, faced a life-altering tragedy when a horse-riding accident in 1995 left him paralyzed from the neck down. Overwhelmed with despair, Reeve contemplated ending his life, but his perspective shifted dramatically thanks to his wife, Dana Reeve. When he asked her if she would let him go, Dana responded with unwavering love: “But you’re still you, and I love you.” Her powerful support became a cornerstone of his recovery and inspired his book, Still Me.

Despite the profound challenges, Reeve chose to fight against his condition and become an advocate for spinal cord injury research. He compared the progress in this field to advancements in AIDS research, emphasizing perseverance and the potential for breakthroughs. Reeve also worked to improve the lives of people with disabilities through his foundation, dedicating significant resources to research and quality of life improvements. His commitment to advocacy and his personal journey inspired many.