TCS NYC Marathon: 'Superman' son Will Reeve running for spinal cord research
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Late "Superman" star Christopher Reeve spent years raising millions of dollars for people with spinal cord injuries after he was paralyzed in a horse-riding accident, and now, his son is following in his footsteps.
On Sunday, 24-year-old Will Reeve is running in his first marathon, the TCS New York City Marathon. His main motivation is to raise $35,000 for the Christopher Reeve Foundation, the charity founded by his parents to support those with injuries and to raise money for medical research.
Will Reeve was just 2 years old when his father became a quadriplegic following his equestrian accident in 1995. He was confined to a wheelchair and required a portable ventilator until his death in October of 2004 at the age of 52. His wife, Dana, died two years later.
"Any memory I have of accomplishing something or doing something, I have the accompanying memory of my parents being there," he said. "My parents always believed in committing to things fully. Once you are doing something, you go all the way. And a marathon is a perfect example of that."
Christopher and Dana Reeve were dedicated to the foundation, and now, their son is continuing their tradition.
Will Reeve said he always thought he would run the marathon, it was just a matter of when. This year, he'd finally run out of excuses.
"I signed up for a run, and before I could second guess myself, there I was training," he said.
Will Reeve won't be tackling the challenge alone. He is running with 11 friends to support the cause to which his parents were so devoted.
"We aim to enhance and improve the quality of life of those affected by paralysis," he said. "While also raising money for research to cure spinal cord injuries."
Watch Eyewitness News reporter Kemberly Richardson's full interview with Will Reeve:
