Christopher Reeve: My Hero

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There are thousands of people that could be considered heroes by fighting inequality, serving their country, or just doing things to benefits others. Not many could say that their real life hero could fly, shoot lasers from their eyes, or even turn back time, but I can. Christopher Reeve, the star of Superman (1978), its three sequels, and much more, is my hero. Despite what other people may think, it is not what he does on the big screen that makes him a hero. His ability to better himself and others despite anything life throws at him is what separates him from the rest and makes him a hero. In 1974 Christopher Reeve graduated from Cornell University. After he graduated, he decided to follow through with his dream of acting, attending Julliard…show more content…
After riding horses for about ten years his love for the sport grew. He had become adept at the activity, winning several events. In May of 1995 Christopher was preparing for a competition just like any other. He mapped out his plan of execution for the course, prepped his horse, and took a warm up ride. Everything proceeded as normal. As Christopher started the event, he had an astonishing beginning. Then suddenly, as he approached a jump, his horse stopped sending Christopher and all of his equipment flying over the fence. His hands were wrapped and tangled in the bridle, so there was no way for him to break his fall. When he reached the ground he landed directly on his head, breaking his first and second vertebrae. (Reeve pg. 10) He was instantly paralyzed and was not able to breath. Christopher was rushed to the hospital, and while in surgery the doctors literally had to reattach his head to his spine. Christopher goes into detail about his injury by saying, “This is called a hangman's injury because it's the kind of break that happens when the trapdoor opens and the noose snaps tight. It was as if I'd been hanged, cut down, and then sent to a hospital.” (Reeve pg. 12) Christopher Reeve spent 6 months in rehab before he was allowed to go home in an electric wheelchair which he could only control by sipping or puffing on a

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