News Feature - Super-Widow Dana Reeve Dies At 44

Dana Reeve, widow of actor Christopher Reeve, died late Monday of lung cancer at the age of 44. Reeve had been battling lung cancer for several months, since first learning of her condition in early August, 10 months after the death of her Superman actor husband.

Reeve had first been diagnosed with the lung cancer on August 9th, only 2 days after ABC news anchor Peter Jennings had died of lung cancer. She had initially be hopeful about catching the disease early and being able to treat the ailment, stating in August, "I hope before too long to be sharing news of my good health and recovery". However, as MSNBC had stated in their article, "When cancer is confined to the lung, the survival rate after five years is 49 percent; but only 2 percent live five years if it has spread to other organs."

After Christopher Reeve had his horse riding accident in 1995, paralyzing him from the neck down, Dana took over as his primary supporter and caretaker, standing by her husband for the nearly a decade, until he passed away. In that time, she was a pillar of strength and hope. In 1996, Chris and Dana founded the Christopher Reeve foundation, an organization that brought awareness to spinal cord injuries and diseases, and helped those with such injuries. In 1999, she founded the Christopher Reeve Foundation's quality of Life initiatives. As well as receiving multiple awards, including the 2003 American Image Award from American Apparel and Footwear Association and was named 2005 Mother of the Year by the American Cancer Society, her personal achievements included performing in a Broadway-bound play, co-hosted Lifetime Life and, just 2 months ago, sang in honor of Mark Messier at his retirement ceremony.

According to the American Cancer Society, "Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. More people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined." While smoking is by far the greatest risk factor, Dana Reeve was not a smoker, nor did she share many of the other risk factors, such as air pollution (didn't live in the city) or workplace chemicals such as radon, asbestos, radiation exposure or exhaust fumes. Another category she didn't fit was her age. Again, the American Cancer Society finds that "about 77% of all cancers are diagnosed in people age 55 and older." The fact that she encompasses so few risk factors makes her death all the more tragic.

Much as her husband's injury brought widespread awareness to spinal cord injuries, Dana tried to turn a positive light on her illness and bring awareness to the most fatal of cancers. Even while receiving treatment for her cancer, she was planning ways to speak out about this disease and raise awareness, which included appearances on news shows and talk shows. It is strength like this that illustrates how the world will remember Dana Reeve.

Dana Reeve is survived by her 13-year-old son, Will. The Christopher Reeve Foundation is accepting donations in Dana's memory.

Additional Sources: Associated Press, American Cancer Society