Paralysis changes a person’s life forever. However, that doesn’t have to mean your life is over or that it can’t be good. In fact, many people become an inspiration to others by continuing to thrive despite paralysis. Today, we are going to look at five stories that we find incredibly inspiring. Paralysis does not discriminate. Even a famous person can become paralyzed. Here are some famous paralytics who inspire us, not only because of the things they did before paralysis but also for how they continued to make a difference in others’ lives even after their illness or injury. It’s impossible to have a conversation about famous paralyzed people without mentioning Superman himself. Christopher Reeve is known for a wide variety of movies, but with superhero movies more popular than ever, we often think of his role as the man of steel.#1 Christopher Reeve
Due to an equestrian injury in 1995, Mr. Reeve developed quadriplegia. However, if you read an account of his life, you will find that his credits do not end there. After his injury, Mr. Reeve directed his first film in 1997. He published his autobiography in 1998 and was the voice for the audiobook. He also starred in the remake of a movie called Rear Window.
Becoming chairman of the board in 1999 put him at the helm of his foundation for raising awareness and funding for SCI research and spinal cord injury rehabilitation. The second book in 2002 and a documentary about his new life and challenges brought spinal cord injuries into the light even more. Mr. Reeve passed away in 2004, but his legacy lives on with his children and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
#2 Stephen Hawking
While spinal cord injuries are the most common reason for a famous person to be paralyzed, Stephen Hawking’s condition resulted from a degenerative illness. Dr. Hawking’s paralysis was due to ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease). It is a neurodegenerative condition. Thus, muscle and nerve function continue to decline over time.
Therefore, Dr. Hawking became known as one of the greatest minds of a generation despite having a disease that would eventually incapacitate him. He also lost his ability to speak due to an illness that nearly killed him. That is why we often associate him with the robotic voice that was able to regain by means of modern technology.
Awards, recognition, and bestselling books accompany Dr. Hawking’s phenomenal career in physics. He died in 2018, having made an indelible mark on the field of theoretical physics.
#3 Teddy Pendergrass
Teddy Pendergrass was a solo musical artist whose career spanned much of the 70s, 80s, and even into the 90s. You probably know him for his most famous song, entitled I Don’t Love You Anymore. However, this was not his only number one hit on the charts. In fact, one of his number one songs came after a 1982 spinal cord injury left him a person with quadriplegia.
#4 Daryl Mitchell
Daryl Mitchell is a famous actor who was in a motorcycle accident in 2001. The accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. However, this did not end his acting career. In fact, if you are a fan of crime dramas like Law & Order Criminal Intent or NCIS: New Orleans, you have probably seen him act from his wheelchair. He can also be seen on shows like Fear the Walking Dead and Ed.
Mr. Mitchell is also known for raising awareness regarding spinal cord injuries among minorities. There is actually a considerable disparity regarding SCI and the black community. Only 13.4% of the US is black according to a previous census, but 21.9% of spinal cord injuries occur in the black community according to national statistics. Research also reveals racial disparity when it comes to the quality of care for spinal cord injury rehabilitation. These statistics make Mr. Mitchell’s work as an advocate even more essential.
#5 Charles Krauthammer
Mr. Krauthammer had a career spanning more than 30 years writing a column for the Washington Post. However, long before that, his injury occurred while in college. During his first year at Harvard Medical School, a spinal cord injury resulted from a diving accident. But this did not stop him from graduating and having a successful career. Whether you agree with his ideology or not, this Pulitzer Prize-winning political columnist kept doing what he loved until a battle with cancer took his life in 2018.
Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Is the Start of Your Own Inspiring Story
Success stories are not just for actors, scientists, and authors. Spinal cord injury rehabilitation continues to make tremendous advancements in helping paralyzed individuals regain independence after injuries or illnesses. You can continue to thrive despite paralysis. But it is crucial to maintain the right attitude toward the challenges ahead.At iAM ABLE, we are here to help. Not only do we operate a state of the art spinal cord rehabilitation facility, but we also want to help prepare you mentally for the journey. That is why we have our eBook, 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to Thrive after Paralysis. Reading it can help you realize that you too can thrive despite paralysis and be an inspiration to others. It may be a challenging journey, but it is one you can conquer. Get started today by reading our eBook and contacting our facility in Miami, Florida.
Grab our free e-book 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to THRIVE after Paralysis by clicking the image below.
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