CapedWonder™.com. Christopher Reeve Superman tribute.

"It was an ongoing theme for Chris before his accident that he wanted to make a real difference in the world, leave a legacy. He wanted to leave the world a better place for his having lived in it. There is no question that he achieved that goal. And happily, he became well aware of the fact that he was leaving a legacy, that his life did have an impact on the betterment of the world. This sense of accomplishment was one of the tremendous gifts he was given."

-- Dana Reeve, October 29, 2004.

THOUGHTS ABOUT CHRISTOPHER REEVE

I so miss my friend Christopher Reeve. It is difficult to believe that this world has been without him now for nearly four years. His spirit is very strong, and his tremendously powerful and positive impact on the world is forever.

Chris is my Hero, my Inspiration and the Symbol of Hope in my blessed life. He has taught me a whole new meaning of Family, Strength, Determination and a Positive Attitude. I am reminded each day when I look at the photo of Chris and me of how fortunate I am to be able to get out of bed and make each day count.

How fortunate I was to have met and known Chris. I followed his life's work, watched every TV and theatrical movie he was in, and bought every photo, magazine, newspaper and clipping I could find about him. I never imagined in 1978 as a 17-year-old young man that someone like Chris would come along and make such a significant and positive impact on my life...and that it would stay with me all of the years following. Chris was the big brother I never had...a true role model in every sense of the word.

Like so many other fans, I stuck with Chris through thick and thin because I knew he was a straight arrow, a doer, a teacher, a perfectionist, a giver, a gentleman, and a devoted husband and father. His "failure is not an option" and hopeful attitude, even when the odds were stacked against him, I often emulated. He believed in himself, and in others who also had goals, dreams and focus.

All of us wanted so much for Chris to walk with his family again, but, now he is free from his wheelchair to do more incredible things in the spirit world for everyone. My wife, Sallie, feels Chris is possibly an Archangel, a highly evolved Angel; and that he is with his family and continuing his mission. I know he will be closely watching and guiding his young son, Will, for the rest of Will's life. Sallie also said that Chris is definitely a Lightbearer. Indeed. He is a unique and unstoppable Force in the Universe who will live on infinitely in our hearts. Many people in the world will walk again and live more fulfilling lives because of Chris' efforts and Guiding Light...and what a bright light it is.

Dana, Will, Matthew and Alexandra are a testament to selfless devotion and support to their husband and father. They are rare and special people whom I admire so much.

Nothing I write about Chris will ever say enough about my admiration for him. He is truly Someone To Believe In. I will remember him forever.

Thank you friends, family and fans for the hundreds of e-mails and telephone calls about Chris.

INVITATION TO CHRIS' MEMORIAL SERVICE

I was deeply honored with an invitation to Christopher's memorial service at Julliard in New York City on Friday, October 29, 2004. Although I was disappointed that I couldn’t attend, I did very much appreciate receiving a wonderful letter from Antonio Ameralis who created a special flower arrangement for the service. A very nice man, Antonio was deeply affected by the loss of Chris, and had the opportunity to meet him twice. He visited CapedWonder.com and found Randy Garrett’s great piece of art of Chris that Randy had done for me a few years ago, and created this floral art. I feel especially fortunate to have received this photo since no media was allowed inside the building where the service was held. Thank you Antonio!

DANA'S THOUGHTS AT CHRIS' MEMORIAL SERVICE

Superfan Bill Williams sent me this exerpt from People magazine, dated November 15, 2004, of some of Dana Reeve's thoughts from Chris' memorial service at Julliard.

"Chris frequently expressed that he wanted any memorial tribute for him to be a celebration of his life. And we will try to honor that today, I know, but I don't think he realized at the time just how much he would be missed - how difficult it would be to feel celebratory when all we really want is to have him back. We didn't get him here on Earth for long enough. But he had a powerful, mystical energy that I know I have felt since his passing, and I have a hunch that here today, in this theater filled with people he cared about, we'll conjure up some of his amazing, beautiful spirit.

"A sharp wit, a great mind, genuine artistry and, as Will mentioned, a generous capacity to love were Chris' salvation in the last, most challenging decade of his life. He got through every day calling upon these abundant inner resources and through the grace and steadfast commitment of those around him. You have never met a group of more dedicated people than the people who worked with Chris. His nurses, aides, doctors and personal assistants were also his dear and beloved friends. This blessed army, this family, made it possible for Chris to spend every day accomplishing what he wanted to accomplish with hopefulness and dignity. And they did it with great cheer and ironclad loyalty. Each and every one of them contributed a piece of their heart and soul to Chris' daily life. There will never be a way to adequately thank them.

"Chris' life was too short. He had much he still wanted to accomplish, his children had much they still wanted to learn from him, and although he would not have chosen to live life with a disability, he and I often spoke of the hidden gifts and precious life lessons learned by living with his disability's daily challenges. The last 9 1/2 years had many, many moments of genuine pleasure and joy and laughter - moments uncompromised by his disability and, in some ways, even enhanced by it. Our life was a life lived with deep meaning and love, and I wish - as I know Chris did - that that life, complete with the challenges of living it, could have gone on for a much longer time. Over the past several years, Chris really came to feel at peace with his situation, and he was able to feel genuine gratitude for the insights and special appreciation for life's gifts that his disability brought him.

And from his publicist Wes Combs:

"(They) spoke of a man who had every reason to feel sorry for himself but never let it stand in the way.... Will was exposed to many things children his age don't have to think about, like the mortality of his own father.... Once you saw the impact that Chris had, you couldn't help but ask, 'Am I doing enough for others?' People came in with heavy hearts. But they left uplifted."

THANK YOU CARD FROM DANA

On 19 January 2005, my family and I received a lovely thank you card from Dana Reeve and her family. How thoughtful of them to take the time to write to us. Thank you to the Reeve family...we will always remember your husband and father with love and inspiration.

CHRISTOPHER REEVE FOUNDATION

Please give generously to the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. We must keeping moving forward in honor of this Super Man. On 3 November 2004, it was announced that the board of directors of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF) unanimously elected Dana Reeve as their new chairperson, filling the position previously held by her late husband, Christopher Reeve. "I am honored to assume this role, working alongside the outstanding staff of the Foundation and our dedicated volunteers," said Dana Reeve. "Together we will continue to fulfill Christopher's vision of funding research that will lead to effective treatments and cures for paralysis. I can think of no greater source of inspiration, no truer guide on this course than Chris himself. His impact on people living with disabilities, his fight for increases in funding and attention paid to biomedical research -- these accomplishments will be his legacy. It is now my job to continue this legacy. As Chair of the Foundation, my priority will be to make Christopher's dream a reality," Reeve added.

Immediately following the 1995 accident that left her husband paralyzed below the neck, Dana Reeve became an outspoken advocate for research to develop effective treatments and cures for paralysis and focused much of her attention on quality of life issues. Since 1999, she has served on the Foundation's Board of Directors and acted as Chair of the Quality of Life Grants Committee, a role she will continue to play.

The board of directors also elected Peter D. Kiernan, III vice chairman. Kiernan was a founding board member of the Christopher Reeve Foundation in 1996. Kiernan, a leader in investment banking, philanthropy, venture capital and entrepreneurship, is CEO of Kiernan Ventures. He is a member of numerous professional organizations and nonprofit boards, including past chairman of the Robin Hood Foundation, chairman of the Board of Tech Health and past co-chair of World T.E.A.M. Sports. Kiernan resides in Greenwich, Conn. and is married with four children. "We are proud and excited to have Dana Reeve as our new Chairperson, leading the Foundation into its next phase of growth," said Kathy Lewis, president and CEO of CRPF. "With the dedication and support of the entire board, the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation will continue to be the world's preeminent resource for paralysis research." As chairperson, Dana Reeve will preside over the Board of Directors and advance the Foundation's mission of funding research and improving the quality of life of people living with disabilities. Please click on Dana Reeve's photo above to read her 11 November 2004 newsletter.

GOODBYE DANA REEVE

7 March 2006 -- We have lost yet another Shining Spirit and Symbol of Hope...Dana Reeve. Dana leaves her loving family in this physical world, and has reunited with her true love, Christopher Reeve, in the spirit world. Together, I know they will send loving energy and protective white light to their children each and every day to help guide them through their own wonderful journey of life.

Actor Robin Williams, a close friend of both the Reeves, laments, "The brightest light has gone out. We will forever celebrate her loving spirit."

Actress Jane Seymour, who co-starred with Christopher in 1980 movie Somewhere in Time, says, "She showed us all the true power of love. (She was) an unflinching optimist, who never let anything get her down, and if she did she never showed us."

"It is impossible to overstate the goodness of this beautiful young woman, and the challenge to faith that is involved in trying to understand her death. Every minute of her life for the past decade and more has been spent doing everything she could for other people. Even the moments she took for herself, to sing, were about giving us joy. Chris was my friend; I only got to know Dana later. But I came to see her as perhaps the most extraordinary person I'd ever met. Her radiance as a woman was fueled by her love. Her love was immeasurable and generously, tirelessly given. We will miss her so, so much." — Meryl Streep

"Dana Reeve had a fierce grace. Under pressure, she embraced her personal struggles with dignity and humor. And always with the focus on the greater good. She filled her life with a love as clear and unflinching as her beautiful voice. Dana made the world a better place and we all shall miss her song terribly." — Susan Sarandon

Former President Bill Clinton and his wife Senator Hillary Clinton add, "Despite the adversity that she faced, Dana bravely met these challenges and was always an extremely devoted wife, mother and advocate."

Somewhere in Time 1980. LETTER FROM JO ADDIE OF INSITE

I thank you for thinking of me and writing me this week. It has been a very shocking, sad and tragic time. I know we all feel the same feelings, and it's nice that we can share them together, and comfort one another.

Dana's loss is a profound one. She was just as the public saw her....bright, sparkling, warm and genuine through-and-through, always looking to brighten everyone else's day. There was no "on-view persona" with Dana, she was the real deal. (She perfectly matched Chris in all his treasured qualities.) She was a rare and precious person.

I have been very moved by the world's outpouring of grief over Dana. The media gave her what is usually reserved only for dignitaries, which goes to show how deeply her life touched people. The media have reported that emails have flooded news agencies, comparable to when Mother Theresa passed. We don't often think of the many levels on which Dana inspired others, but this week we are realizing how she put a face to the trials and quiet dignity of those who care for seriously ill loved ones. Her death rippled through hospital and hospice corridors as well as private homes. Her dignity and grace amidst incredible challenges will remain a role model for all.

An INSITE member sent me a recording of Rush Limbaugh who talked this week about his meeting Dana some years back at a function. He had been seated next to her. All evening long, people kept coming up to Dana, saying how they admired her, and how so many people would have "bolted" from the situation with Chris. Dana seemed continually puzzled and embarrassed by the attention. When Rush expressed his own same sentiment, on her sacrifices of her own career, her reply was, "There haven't been any sacrifices, I love this man."

She had a heart so big, that she was able to fit in everyone else who has had to cope with disability. She is credited with creating the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center, a first-time place to acquire information and sources for improved day-to-day living. (By the way, the President has cut the funding for the budget that fed $6,000,000 to this facility.)

I hope you have seen the Message Board posted to the SIT Website, on Tuesday. I was unable to answer your emails until now, and I do hope you will take a look and maybe add something to the board.

We all are agonizing over this development and ache for Will. I ask that you keep him continually in your prayers, for the skills to cope with his incredible losses. He is a wonderful kid and is the product of two magnificently positive people, so I have little doubt he will be okay. Yet, we can do more than just hurt for him and hope for the best....we can also pray that the media leave him alone, and let him stay out of the public spotlight.

Again, I appreciate your sensitive comments, and your gestures of friendship.

Yours in time,

Jo Addie INSITE President/Editor

BLESS YOU YOUNG WILL REEVE

Before her death, Will's mom made arrangements to insure that Will would be able to live with his best friend's family.

In order to keep Will among the people he's grown up with, he will live with the family of one of his close friends in suburban Bedford, New York.

Reeve's friend PETER KIERNAN says, "There's an embrace of family around Will."

Fans and Friends...please send this young man lots of positive energy.

Will, may you be strong, and let the memories of your extraordinary mother and father inspire you, and forever bring you peace and joy.

Fans of CapedWonder™.com, and my family and I, hope you are always happy, productive, giving and full of love.

A PERSONAL LOOK INTO THE EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL FIGHT BY CHRISTOPHER REEVE
TO KEEP HOPE AND MOVEMENT ALIVE IN HIS QUEST TO FIND A CURE FOR PARALYSIS

ARTS ALLIANCE AMERICA Presents 'HOPE IN MOTION' on DVD

Directed by His Son, Matthew Reeve

New York, NY – Christopher Reeve's son, Matthew, has created a poignant and sincere portrait about the man known to the world as Superman, as he relentlessly fought to overcome paralysis after a horse-back riding accident in 1995. Filmed over a two year period of time, Hope in Motion is comprised of two documentaries, Hope in Motion and Choosing Hope which take viewers into Christopher and Dana Reeve's personal family life as Christopher fights to regain mobility and becomes the voice for others with spinal cord injuries who are fighting the same battle. The DVD will be available beginning November 6, 2007 for a suggested retail price of $26.98. The dealer order cut off date is October 9, 2007.

Joe Amodei, President of Arts Alliance America states, "This project is truly close to my heart. After watching Christopher and Dana fight for years to increase awareness and funding for a cure for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury, it brings me great pleasure to bring this truly inspiring documentary to home viewing audiences."

Featuring candid interviews with Christopher, his doctors and footage of his rehabilitation sessions, Choosing Hope and Hope In Motion detail almost every aspect of Christopher and Dana's family life, including Christopher's regular visits to a medical center and the hope of a recovery beginning with the movement of a single finger.

As Christopher fought to be able to one day walk again, he also became the champion and voice for those in the paralysis community and other disabilities-- publicly and passionately campaigning for stem cell research funding... These thought-provoking documentaries reveal Christopher's hope, strength and passion to help himself and others throughout his rehabilitative process.

What emerges through this film is a portrait of an intelligent, determined, candid and outspoken man who was able to maintain his sense of humor in the face of adversity. His inspiring personality will shine through as viewers follow his unpredictable and emotional journey.

The first documentary, Hope In Motion aired on ABC (then entitled Courageous Steps), and was nominated for an Emmy Award. Special features on the DVD include an interview with Christopher Reeve, and other heroic individuals living with spinal cord injury -- Brooke Ellison, Jim McLaren, and Jesse Billauer. A portion of Hope In Motion's revenues will be donated to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. The DVD has a running time of approximately 102 minutes.

For more information, please visit the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Arts Alliance America, and Variety. The DVD is available now from Amazon.com and Arts Alliance America.

'HOPE IN MOTION' VIDEO CLIPS

Arts Alliance America has prepared two video clips exclusively for CapedWonder fans. Download them here and here.

Here is the ABC News interview with Matthew and Alexandra Reeve, taped on 6 November 2007.

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE

Purchase Christopher Reeve's book Nothing Is Impossible. I particularly enjoyed listening to Chris speak the entire book in the 4-CD set. A&E Biography now has Christopher Reeve's biography on DVD.

Christopher Reeve smiles. ARTICLES AND MORE

Christopher Reeve Biography on Superman Homepage.

Long Live Superman.

Remembering Dana Reeve - A Message from Alexandra and Matthew Reeve.

MUSIC AND MORE

Here are photos, musical selections and other audio, both directly related to Chris, and reminders of Chris and what he stood for. The music talks about Hope, Friendship, Love, Spirit, Giving, Passion, Goals, Dreams, Heroism, Drive, Pride...words we associate with Christopher Reeve. Please contact me if you have files you'd like to contribute to this list.

John Wetton's, In the End, featuring the beautiful vocals of Annie Haslam.

Bryan Ferry's, Dance With Life.

Jerry Goldsmith and Paul Williams', Flying Dreams, from The Secret of N.I.M.H.

John Williams', Liberty Fanfare, Call of The Champions, Song for World Peace, Celebrate Discovery and Summon The Heroes.

Nick Hinton's original, Reeve and Reunion. Visit Nick's CapedWonder™ interview page here.

Art Garfunkel's beautiful song, 'Bright Eyes'.

Rik Morgan's rock and roll musical tribute to Christopher Reeve...all instruments and recording by Rik.

Supertramp's, Give a Little Bit, heard on Lois Lane's car radio in Superman-The Movie.

Christopher Santangelo's, Hero, dedicated to Christopher Reeve.

Jim Barnes', The Day Superman Died, dedicated to Christopher Reeve. Here is version 2.

Elton John's, Skyline Pigeon, All That I'm Allowed and Answer In The Sky.

Michael W. Smith's, I Will Be Your Friend.

Rush's, Mission.

Jerry Goldsmith's, The Celebration. Originally composed for the film, Capricorn One, this stirring theme was heard in an early trailer for Superman-The Movie. See the Video section to see the trailer.

A BBC audio interview with Christopher Reeve (September 2004). Courtesy of Ollie Wearne.

The announcement of Chris' death on National Public Radio (11 October 2004).

Download screenshots from the Oprah Show with Dana and Will Reeve after Chris' death (16 February 2005).

Read more of Christopher Reeve's words by clicking here.

Click here to visit the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.