so why give up hope?
Christopher did not get that chance” but one day others will
It takes a super president to make a super move.
At the White House today, PRESIDENT OBAMA deep-sixed the Bush Administration ban on stem cell research, bringing hope to paralyzed Americans. And in doing so, he acknowledged the work of real-life Mr. And Mrs. Superman, the late CHRISTOPHER REEVE and his wife Dana.
“As we restore our commitment to science, and resume funding for promising stem cell research, we owe a debt of gratitude to so many tireless advocates … people like Christopher and Dana Reeve, who we wish could be here to see this moment,” President Obama said in his speech.
“One of Christopher’s friends recalled that he hung a sign on the wall of the exercise room where he did his grueling regimen of physical therapy. It read:
“For everyone who thought I couldn’t do it. For everyone who thought I shouldn’t do it. For everyone who said, ‘It’s impossible.’ See you at the finish line.”
“Christopher once told a reporter who was interviewing him: “If you came back here in 10 years, I expect that I’d walk to the door to greet you.”
“Christopher did not get that chance. But if we pursue this research, maybe one day – maybe not in our lifetime, or even in our children’s lifetime – but maybe one day, others like him might.”
Christopher Reeve died in 2004, nine years after a horse riding accident left him paralyzed and was a tireless advocate of scientific research, serving as a human guinea pig on a device that was approved just last year by the FDA. Chris’ wife Dana, who stood by his side passed in 2006 from lung cancer. She did not smoke.
Scientists in the medical community believe stem cells may be used to replace damaged cells and possibly cure cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and other conditions.
