Hollywood star Christopher Reeve has taken his championing of the paralysis research cause all the way to Israel, one of the leading countries in the field of spinal injury treatment.
During the fact-finding mission on Monday, he appealed to Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom to increase efforts in the field, including stem cell research, which many believe may lead to treatment and a cure for paralysis. "It's important that scientists realise the sense of urgency, that every day counts for patients," he said.
Referring to such scientific breakthroughs as space travel, organ transplants and test tube babies, he added: "There have been many times when things were thought to be impossible, and now it's routine."
During his five-day visit, the Superman star also plans to meet with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as well as Israelis suffering from paralysis, including a 25-year-old injured in a suicide bombing just over one year ago.
Christopher became one of the world's most high profile campaigners for the disabled after he was paralysed from the neck down in a horse riding accident in 1995.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
