Superman
Sad news that Christopher Reeve passed away on Sunday.
He's been a strong proponent of stem cell research, which is something that I admired and also feel strongly about. A friend of mine is a former US Olympic skater, and now suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. Very similar in symptoms to Parkinsons. He's actually coping fairly well, but he has to take shots once a week which pretty much debilitate him for the next 24-36 hours. Other than that, he's doing very well, and you wouldn't know from meeting him that he's had it for several years now.
Seeing the images of his brain MRI are pretty frightening, as there are several marble sized spots on it. One of the treatments proposed for MS has been via stem cell research, but thanks to W there isn't much of that taking place in the US today. So the fact that Christopher Reeve took on the role as a champion for the cause really meant something to me, as it could have a direct impact on the quality of life of one of my friends.
Also, that he was hurt during a riding competiton made him more real to me. Until recently, I used to ride pretty regularly, and took part in a few jumping competitions myself (even placed 3rd in an event once!). During riding I had my share of falls and accidents ( as does everyone ), and it kind of gives you pause to see someone famous that seriously injured doing the same thing. But he turned that personal tragedy into something far greater than himself, but his outspoken advancement of the issues of stem cell research and treatment/support for those with severe spinal injuries.
So, rest in peace, Superman. We'll miss you.
He's been a strong proponent of stem cell research, which is something that I admired and also feel strongly about. A friend of mine is a former US Olympic skater, and now suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. Very similar in symptoms to Parkinsons. He's actually coping fairly well, but he has to take shots once a week which pretty much debilitate him for the next 24-36 hours. Other than that, he's doing very well, and you wouldn't know from meeting him that he's had it for several years now.
Seeing the images of his brain MRI are pretty frightening, as there are several marble sized spots on it. One of the treatments proposed for MS has been via stem cell research, but thanks to W there isn't much of that taking place in the US today. So the fact that Christopher Reeve took on the role as a champion for the cause really meant something to me, as it could have a direct impact on the quality of life of one of my friends.
Also, that he was hurt during a riding competiton made him more real to me. Until recently, I used to ride pretty regularly, and took part in a few jumping competitions myself (even placed 3rd in an event once!). During riding I had my share of falls and accidents ( as does everyone ), and it kind of gives you pause to see someone famous that seriously injured doing the same thing. But he turned that personal tragedy into something far greater than himself, but his outspoken advancement of the issues of stem cell research and treatment/support for those with severe spinal injuries.
So, rest in peace, Superman. We'll miss you.
posted by Chris Parker at
9:41 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home