I am absolutely heartbroken over the news that Dana Reeve, widow of the late Christopher Reeve has lost her battle with lung cancer. She was just 44 years old.
Even though she only had one feature film to her credit, as a female detective in '95's Above Suspicion, Mrs. Reeve left us something far more important then any film role could--a legacy of inspiration and hope. Following her husband's tragic horse riding accident in 1995, that left him paralized, she showed incredible strength and unwavering support, as she helped him through some very dark days. The couple became a beacon of hope for the thousands of folks afflicted with spinal cord injuries, as they began to advocate stem cell research, in the hopes of finding a cure for all disabilities. The pair never gave up on the idea that a solution would one day be found.
Even after Chris died in 2004, Dana continued to keep his legacy alive through her work with the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, and speaking out whenever she could. When she was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2005, once again she faced the daunting illness with such dignity and grace that it was hard not to think that if anyone would beat this hellish condition, it would be her.
Her last on-screen appearance was as a teacher, in a telefilm her husband directed called The Brooke Ellison Story. How appropriate. Not only did she "teach" on film, but she also taught us some of life's most valuable lessons in the real world, as well.
Cancer has hit my family quite hard and I know something about the pain and sorrow her friends and family now face...Fox News reports that the couple's son Will is to remain with friends.
Will Reeve, Dana Reeve, Chrisopher Reeve and Robin Williams [attending] The Tribeca Film Festival, May 7, 2004
Photo Credit: Jim Spellman, Wireimage.com
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