Neil D Posted March 7, 2006 Share Posted March 7, 2006 []http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/rids/20060307/i/r542082918.jpg[/] By Claudia Parsons Tue Mar 7, 9:54 AM ET NEW YORK (Reuters) - Dana Reeve, the widow of Christopher Reeve who nursed the paralyzed "Superman" for nine years until his death in 2004, has died of lung cancer at the age of 44, the foundation she headed said on Tuesday. The Christopher Reeve Foundation, which backs research on the treatment of spinal cord injuries and helps victims of such injuries, said Reeve, a nonsmoker and mother of a teenage son, had died on Monday night. "The cause was lung cancer," the foundation said. "On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and staff of the Christopher Reeve Foundation, we are extremely saddened by the death of Dana Reeve, whose grace and courage under the most difficult of circumstances was a source of comfort and inspiration to all of us," Kathy Lewis, president and CEO of the foundation, said in a statement. Reeve devoted herself to her husband after a riding accident left him paralyzed from the neck down in 1995. Christopher Reeve, best known for his role in the "Superman" movies, died in October 2004. The actress, who put her career on hold to nurse her sick husband, leaves behind a 13-year-old son named Will. She is also survived by her father, two sisters and two stepchildren, Matthew and Alexandra. Reeve's announcement last August that she was suffering from lung cancer came as a shock because she was a nonsmoker. Ten to 15 percent of lung cancer victims are nonsmokers and women in that group are twice as likely to get the disease than men who don't smoke. Radon gas, passive smoking, genetics and pollution are some of the causes among nonsmokers. Reeve succeeded her husband as chair of the Reeve Foundation in 2004 and she established the organization's "Quality of Life" initiative to help sufferers with similar problems as her husband endured. "After Christopher's death, Dana was determined to preserve the important work and the legacy of hope that became his life's mission," Lewis said in the statement. "Even in our grief, the Foundation must pick up and continue to Go Forward with this mission." In a statement after she announced her illness, Reeve recalled her husband: "Now, more than ever, I feel Chris with me as I face this challenge," she said in the statement in August. "As always, I look to him as the ultimate example of defying the odds with strength, courage and hope in the face of life's adversities." Quote Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve. George Bernard Shaw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halfstep Denise Posted March 7, 2006 Share Posted March 7, 2006 Thank you for posting this, Neil. Dana was, in a major way, a spokesperson for me. She fought diligently for those of us with spinal cord injuries. When I heard the news this morning I was so stunned I could hardly move. The last news I had heard about Dana, her tumor was shrinking and the prognosis was good. I told my husband that the next time it is announced on the news that someone "famous" has cancer and the prognosis is good, I won't believe a word of it! I heard the same thing about Jacqueline Kennedy and she died very quickly too. My thoughts and prayers are with Dana's son and other members of her family. I'm glad she isn't suffering any longer and praise the Lord for the hope of the resurrection! Halfstep Denise Quote "If you're all God has, is God in trouble? -- Dr. Frederick K.C. Price Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Gail Posted March 7, 2006 Administrators Share Posted March 7, 2006 Yes, I'm glad someone posted this as well. She was an inspiration to me <img src="/ubbtreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Shane Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 Lung cancer at 44 is pretty bad. Is that at all common for lung cancer sufferers? Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Jeannieb43 Posted March 8, 2006 Moderators Share Posted March 8, 2006 Dana Reeve had never smoked. There is a type of lung cancer which affects non-smokers; it's different from the type which affects smokers. In fact, our former NAD president, Al McClure also has the non-smokers' type of lung cancer, although it's presently in remission. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/07/AR2006030700407.html Quote Jeannie<br /><br /><br />...Change is inevitable; growth is optional.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Naomi Posted March 8, 2006 Administrators Share Posted March 8, 2006 Yes Neil, thanks your posting. I was fortunate to see Dana and Christopher in Chicago shortly prior to his death. She was a positive person who inspired all who saw her, in person or in the media. Quote If your dreams are not big enough to scare you, they are not big enough for God Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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