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A responsibility comes along with being Superman, Arro
said. People expect extraordinary things from celebrities
and Reeve is no exception, especially being tagged the
"Man of Steel."
Arro said that Reeve has had advantages that other
quadriplegics lack. One special advantage Reeve has
had in his quest is top-of-the line equipment. He has
access to an electrical stimulation machine, exercise
bike and, recently, a pool.
Arro admits that she is happy that Reeve has access
to the best technology, but feels a sense of frustration
that other quadriplegics do not have similar equipment
because insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid will
not approve funding.
"For Chris, I am happy, but I feel bad for the
majority of people who do not have this technology,"
she said.
But it is more than just his celebrity and financial
advantage that keeps Arro in awe of Reeve's progress.
Arro believes that because Reeve is the first documented
case of a quadriplegic who has exercised so intensely
for so many years, he can serve as an example for quadriplegics
with less tangible advantages.
"Being Superman lets everyone in the world know
that something can be done. He is a messenger to the
scientific world, the politicians, to everyone,"
she said.
Reeve's activism in the area of stem cell research
has been highly publicized, and Arro has been at his
side every step of the way. She even went with Reeve
to Washington, D.C., when he testified before the Senate
about his belief in the need for stem cell research.
Arro said she was shocked that few senators attended
the hearing and that they sent their aides instead.
She said she was disappointed that politicians voted
on legislation they had not thoroughly investigated.
"How can representatives of your state sponsor
or support legislation that have negative effects on
the constituents? They disregard things that are for
the people," she said.
Arro believes that because of Reeve and his celebrity
status, public awareness of spinal cord injuries has
grown and that his remarkable progress will compel scientists,
politicians, insurance companies and doctors to change
their way of thinking.
"Because of Chris, spinal cord injury has made
it on the map, moving from the graveyard of neuroscience,"
Arro said.
She sees rehabilitation shifting its focus from teaching
quadriplegics to accept their disability's lifestyle
to one where they are encouraged to find the best medical
and rehabilitative regimen they can, so they function
better when there is a cure.
"The doctors won't say, 'You have a spinal cord
injury, you will never walk again,' " she said.
As Reeve continues his journey toward recovery, Arro
plans to continue to be by his side, not only because
she believes in his cause but because she feels Reeve
helps keep her own life in perspective.
"Just looking at Dana and Chris gives me courage.
They are part of me. They put one foot in front of the
other, breathe in and out and wake up every day hoping
the next day will be better," Arro said.
Arro says she finds it difficult to complain about
anything in her life. "I look at my own life and
sometimes I complain, then I think of him. He can't
do for himself, but he just keeps going and going,"
she said.
Arro said that saving a life in the hospital is gratifying,
but participating in Reeve's recovery is contributing
to a possible cure for millions who are suffering. "This
is just so wild, I could die just thinking about it,"
she said.
Although Arro loves working with Reeve on his recovery,
she said she "dreams of the day" she is fired.
"I hope they call me very soon and say, 'Chris
can breathe and walk-you're fired,' " Arro said.
Reeve's medical staff and even Reeve himself say they
share Arro's sentiment. Although Reeve is a special
patient who inspires his staff, their goal is his recovery,
and Arro is confident that day will come. In fact, she
says she plans to update her résumé soon
because she thinks it's only a matter of time before
she needs it.
Contact Carol Lindsay at carollindsay@earthlink.net
Also read the sidebar stories on a Search
for the Cure and Overcoming
Obstacles
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