Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
It’s no secret to those who have seen my shows that Superman is a pretty big deal to me. Christopher Reeve is as well, and not just because he played Superman in the movies of my childhood. I am a fan of Chris’s because of the hero he truly was. After his tragic horse riding accident in May of 1995, Chris became paralyzed from the neck down. In the face of such tragedy many would give up or retreat to depression, and understandably so. But through dedication of spirit and the support of his wife Dana and their friends, Chris became Superman in ways that no movie ever portrayed. He decided to “Go Forward” in spite of any physical setbacks and fight for those who were similarly afflicted. By establishing The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, Chris established a legacy of research, support and quality of life grants for those affected by paralysis.
He believed that with research he and others
would indeed walk again. In fact he did make strides towards recovery
that defied all conventional wisdom. He regained some movement in his
hands and arms and was able to go for long periods without his
respirator, something no one thought possible after his injury. Sadly,
on October 10, 2004 Chris passed away after battling an infection, and
we all lost a true hero. The foundation continues on however, and
despite the additional tragic loss of Dana Reeve this past spring, they
will continue to GO FORWARD.
It is my goal to help the foundation in any way that I can. Through my
school presentations I try to encourage students to find the “Hero
Inside” - that person that continues to reach out to others – regardless
of the obstacles that face them. As I say in my talk. “Pain is
Inevitable – Misery is a Choice”, and Chris Reeve is a perfect example
of that. That is why I support the CRF and their efforts and I encourage
everyone to “Get Tagged”. These metal “military style” dog tags bear the
Superman logo and Chris and the Foundation’s credo: “Go Forward”. I feel
that these tags not only act as a fitting tribute to a great man and
true hero, but are also a daily reminder that you can overcome any
obstacles that may be thrown in your way. I proudly wear my tags
everyday, and I hope that you will to. I am also VERY PROUD of the fact
that in the 2006-2007 school year, I was able to sell over $30,000 worth
of tags for the foundation. Keep buying those tags!!!
Please visit www.supermantag.org or hit one of the links on this page or visit the IT Store to order a set of tags and to “Tag” others. For more information on Christopher Reeve and the work of the CRF, please visit www.christopherreeve.org.
The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation: Connect to the CRF to learn more about their activities and research into paralysis injuries. I am supporter of this organization and big fan of Mr. Reeve, his passing was great loss. He is one of the people who continue to take steps outside of their boundaries to reach out to others in spite of what is going on with them personally. You can follow the links to purchase the “Go Forward” Superman Dog Tags.
Thanks and Go Forward,Ian Tyson
"What I do is based on powers we all have inside us; the ability to endure; the ability to love, to carry on, to make the best of what we have – and you don’t have to be a ‘Superman’ to do it."
~ Christopher Reeve
