Whether or not Mr. Reeve ever played Superman, from all accounts, he seems to have always lived his life as a gentleman, almost embodying the role into his own persona. Maybe this is why the recent tragedy is so deeply felt among the peoples of the world. Even though Chris has distinguished himself as a superb actor in his own right, actually playing more non-Superman roles than Superman, he appears to have that rare blend of man and god that so many of us tend to admire. At least this would be one explanation of his enormously widespread popular appeal with the masses of planet Earth.

After reading the spreads in almost every conceivable human interest publication, particularly the articles about Chris' acute care and now, the rehabilitation involving the Sygen treatment, added to personal accounts such as the above-mentioned letter to editor, I was tempted to title this tribute, "Chris Reeve: Hero or Crazy". His courageous willingness and actual attempts at going for WHATEVER IT TAKES to reclaim the life that is rightfully his, is nothing short of awe-inspiring. One does not have to be a hero-worshipper to admire the courage of conviction and determination this man seems to have.

Reading about his story, a question arises. Throughout conventional western medicine's success to save and maintain life at almost any cost, have we lost something in the tradeoff? What might it be? Those who know and have felt first-hand what Reeve's has been going through over the past several weeks, know exactly what I mean.

The title of the July 25th article in the "National Enquirer is "Reeve's Heart Stops Drug Therapy". As reported, on the night of July 6, Reeve's doctors started giving him therapy using Sygen (GM-1). Readers will remember that we've discussed this treatment in earlier issues of PNN. But apparently Sygen was only one ingredient of the short-lived therapy that fateful night. No details are provided of other therapies or pharmaceuticals. Within a few hours, his heart stopped beating for approximately 10 seconds. The article doesn't disclose the other components of the therapy, but given the reported attitude of Reeve's, it won't be his last attempt at trying experimental treatments and procedures.

The article shows a photo of Dennis Byrd walking. You'll remember that he was the New York Jets star who was paralyzed from the chest down in a tragic football accident in 1992. Apparently after heavy-duty treatments involving Sygen, he was up and walking about nine months later. A "miraculous recovery" by some accounts.

The article explains that "Sygen is a unique protein that's thought to assist in the regeneration of nerve cells which are destroyed when a person suffers a spinal cord injury", according to Dr. Karl Stecher, a neurosurgeon at the Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colorado.

After this most recent harrowing experience, Chris was reported to be in a great mood, declaring "I don't care how many times my heart stops, I want to take the chance. I know I can recover!" Chris and his family have agreed that if he dies from risky therapy, it's better than just waiting around. But, he is convinced he will walk again. In fact, he's reportedly talking about doing another Superman movie once he's recovered. If he does...then even I will believe he's Superman.

The entire cover of the August 8th edition of the same magazine is devoted solely to Christopher Reeve calling its spread a "World Exclusive", the story and photos extolling his "amazing courage" and determination to walk again. Chris is quoted as telling friends "Don't cry for me. I don't need your tears." And, "I want positive people around me." Can't you just imagine it?

The cover of the August 8th edition of the "National Examiner" proclaims that "Chris Reeve Will Walk Again...He took a miracle drug that cures paralysis", and refers to a "Super report from top docs". Then a few details are given about how Dennis Byrd and others have recovered from paralysis by taking Sygen treatments within the first 50 days of their injuries. As for the top docs, the only docs mentioned by name in the article are Dr. Fred Geisler of the University of Maryland, Dr. John Schlegel of the University of Utah, and Dr. Judith Walker of the Walker Institute in L.A. Reference is made to Dr. Geisler as having said "In a small pilot study. Seven of the 16 people given Sygen improved from near total paralysis to being able to walk after one year." Sygen apparently works by improving the ability of nerves to remain alive after injury and makes surviving nerves better able to function.