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Alexandra Reeve Givens, the daughter of “Superman” actor Christopher Reeve, was interviewed by National Public Radio host Scott Detrow for an Oct. 16 story about the new documentary, “Super/Man,” that explores Reeve’s life before and after he was paralyzed when he was thrown from a horse in a 1995 equestrian competition.
Reeve, who was classically trained at The Juilliard School and appeared in four “Superman” films, died in 2004.
His caregiver following the riding accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down was his wife, Dana.
At one point in the NPR interview with Givens, Detrow asks, “Can you talk about what you hope the message is that people get from this film when it comes to the role of the caregivers when somebody is so seriously injured?”
“Caregivers really are the unsung heroes across society,” Givens replies. “And its so easy to kind of overlook and take that for granted, what it was for Dana to put much of her life on hold – she herself was an actress and a performer – and instead really focus on being there not only for my dad, but for my younger brother and for our whole family.”
Later, while elaborating on her parents’ partnership, she describes a scene in which Dana makes Christopher Reeve a cup of tea before the two of them lay in bed and watch TV, “having a normal night together.”
“ … if anybody watches this and connects with it in some way, either being seen themselves because they are a caregiver, or they’re just thinking about what it is to show up for your partner in life or your friends in life, I think there’s a lot for people to take away.”
“I loved this interview,” Homecare Choices Executive Director Peter Carey said. “Alexandra Reeve Givens so eloquently describes the essential nature of caregiving, how powerful a life force it is for those who need it, and how empowering it can be for caregivers.”
Listen to the NPR interview about “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story”
“We typically reserve this space on the website for chronicling our caregiving mission, services, and success stories, but the NPR interview and the message of resilience and hope in the film ‘Super/Man’ inspired us to single this out for a mention – plus some of our staff and our clients come from a generation of ‘Superman’ and Christopher Reeve fans,” Carey added.
Those seeking in-home care for themselves or a family member, or who want to learn more about Homecare Choices and its services, should reach out to Peter Carey by phone at 508-313-2529, by email at petercarey@homecarechoices.com, or use the contact form on the website and free consultations are offered.