Christopher Reeve has given inspiration to many thousands of people recovering from spinal injuries, by delivering a speech without the aid of a ventilator he has used since 1995.
Appearing at a fundraising dinner for the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, the former Superman actor amazed guests by addressing them unassisted. "To breathe normally, to be able to smell – anything that makes you feel more normal is psychologically so important," he said.
Acknowledging that he is usually seen wearing a "necklace of corrugated plastic", the 51-year-old said: "I'd like you to notice that I'm not wearing it tonight."
"Ever since I was a little boy I've been trying to avoid getting dressed up and wearing a necktie," he joked. "Now I get my wish."
Earlier this year, Christopher underwent a revolutionary procedure called diaphragm pacing, which involves connecting electrodes to the diaphragm. The device allows him to breathe without a ventilator for hours at a time.
The 51-year-old has fought a heroic battle to recover from the horse-riding accident that left him paralysed eight years ago. In a recent interview he was asked if he thought he would ever walk again. "I still think I will," he answered. "I'm not sure when it's going to happen."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
