Celebrating our Super/Man at the Empire State Building

October 10 marked the 20th anniversary of Christopher Reeve’s passing. For millions of Americans, Christopher Reeve will always be Superman. This year, in a special tribute to both Christopher and Dana Reeve’s legacy, Will Reeve had the privilege of lighting the Empire State Building in honor of the ongoing work of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and the national release of the Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story.

“The Empire State Building has served as a beacon for untold millions of people, and in much the same way, it’s an honor to know that my dad, my mom, and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation serve as beacons as well,” said Will Reeve at the lighting ceremony, where he served as a proud emissary for the Foundation, an ambassador for the cause and proud son, he noted. “The Reeve Foundation helps so many people in our mission to live in a world of empty wheelchairs, but before we get there to provide the quality of life care for people impacted by paralysis.”

The highly anticipated documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve brings to life the incredible journey of Christopher Reeve and the entire Reeve family. From an astonishing rise from an unknown actor to an iconic movie star, Reeve is the definitive portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman. Reeve portrayed the Man of Steel in four ‘Superman’ films and played dozens of other roles that displayed his talent and range as an actor, before being injured in a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down, transforming him into a hero of many causes and a voice for the disability community.

Those who knew him personally remember him as so much more than an exquisite actor. Christopher was an extraordinary father, a loving husband, a human rights advocate, an avid adventurer, an environmentalist, an author, a director, and an accomplished pianist. He was also a pilot who made two solo trips across the Atlantic, an outdoor enthusiast who skied, sailed, scuba dived, played tennis, and canoed alone into the wilderness. And in the last years of his enormous life, he put a face to an injury that has isolated many into near invisibility – but as he and Dana bravely taught us, spinal cord injury and paralysis should not lead to a diminished quality of life.

Super/Man is not just a retrospective; it is a celebration of the relentless drive and spirit that Christopher embodied and inspired in others. By lighting up New York City in the most iconic building – we celebrate and honor Christopher, letting the world witness him soar to new heights once again.

"Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story" is in theaters now. Read more about it on the Reeve Foundation website at ChristopherReeve.org/superman.