It’s a bird! No, it’s a plane! No, it’s SUPERMAN! Even after his death, Christopher Reeve, America’s superhero, is continuing to live up to his superhuman responsibilities. The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury through generous funding of innovative research in addition to improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information, and advocacy. The Foundation’s beginning stems back over two decades when the American Paralysis Association was formed by a group of people that refused to accept the notion of spinal cord injuries being irreparable, in 1982. Following his horrific equestrian injury in 1995, Christopher Reeve sought out the guidance and help from this organization which ultimately not only inspired Reeve to continue living, but motivated him to create a foundation that helped others in the same life-threatening predicament. Sadly, Reeve met his demise on October 10, 2004. However, his legacy is now being carried on through his foundation and the many people who’s lives he has changed. Before he passed, Reeve noted, "When the first Superman movie came out, I gave dozens of interviews to promote it. The most frequent question was: What is a hero? My answer was that a hero is someone who commits a courageous action without considering the consequences. Now my definition is completely different. I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. They are the real heroes, and so are the families and friends who have stood by them." Whether the victim is in need of some financial aid due to the lifestyle change, or just need to seek answers or advocacy from the emotional and physical trauma in which a spinal injury has caused, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is here to allow those effected to move forward. Unlike Superman, this generous foundation isn't here to just fleetingly save the day; rather, it seeks to improve these peoples’ lives by trumping any borders or limitations in which society has placed on those injured. Have YOU helped save the world today?For more information, visit: christopherreeve.orgWant to become a Social Firestarter? “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ BrushfireMG
