Christopher Reeve' s Widow Has Lung Cancer

Christopher Reeve's widow, Dana Reeve, has been diagnosed with lung cancer, only ten months after her husband died. In her statement, Dana said she will take example from her husband for "defying the odds with strength, courage and hope."

"I have recently been diagnosed with lung cancer, and am currently undergoing treatment," said Reeve in a statement today.

"I have an excellent team of physicians, and we are optimistic about my prognosis. Now, more than ever, I feel Chris with me as I face this challenge. As always, I look to him as the ultimate example of defying the odds with strength, courage and hope in the face of life's adversities."

Dana Reeve, the 44-year-old actress and chairman of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, was a non-smoker, said foundation spokesman Maggie Goldberg.

Christopher Reeve and his wife Dana opened the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center, a facility in Short Hills, New Jersey, devoted to teaching paralyzed people to live more independently.

He and Dana also chaired the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, which funds research on paralysis and works to improve the lives of the disabled.

To date, the Foundation has awarded $55 million in research grants and $7.5 million in quality-of-life grants. After Chris' death in October last year, Dana has continued to chair the Foundation.