Who is Christopher Reeve

Known to many simply as "Superman," Christopher Reeve studied acting at the famed Julliard School of Performing Arts. It was winning the coveted role of Superman in Richard Donner's film that made him a household name and hero to many a kid.

Among his other notable roles was his portrayal of the hopeless romantic in the film version of Richard Matheson's "Somewhere in Time."

After being paralyzed in 1995 following a horseback riding accident, Christopher was determined to walk again. He campaigned for a cure for paralysis and the fight for stem cell research along with fellow thespian Michael J. Fox. He continued to work as an actor as well appearing in a remake of Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window" and in several episodes of the hit WB series, "Smallville."

Though he has since left us, his determination continues on as his foundation, The Christopher Reeve Paraylsis Foundation, continues to fight for a cure.

After being paralyzed due to a horseriding accident, Christopher began to dedicate his life and work to finding a cure for those stricken with paralysis. His work lives on today and you can help the cause by visiting the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation online.

"Once you choose hope, anything's possible."

"So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then when we Summon the Will, they soon become inevitable."

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."

"To be able to feel the lightest touch really is a gift."

"You've got to give more than you take."

"I refuse to allow a disability to determine how I live my life. I don't mean to be reckless, but setting a goal that seems a bit daunting actually is very helpful toward recovery."

"We live in a time when the words impossible and unsolvable are no longer part of the scientific community's vocabulary. Each day we move closer to trials that will not just minimize the symptoms of disease and injury but eliminate them."

"I've seen first hand how Superman actually transforms people's lives. I have seen children dying of brain tumors who wanted as their last request to be able to talk to me, and have gone to their graves with a peace brought on by knowing that their belief in this kind of character is intact. I've seen that Superman really matters. They're connecting with something very basic: the ability to overcome obstacles, the ability to persevere, the ability to understand difficulty and to turn your back on it."

"He's a friend. Everybody needs a friend. That's why he's still here." (On Superman)