Celebrities like Christopher Reeve, Michael J. Fox, and even members of the rock band Nirvana are some of the several celebrities who have overcome an illness or personal tragedy that have helped others in many different ways. They have all managed to put themselves out there and open up about something that is usually considered to be a more private matter in order to help several good causes.
             Actor Christopher "Superman" Reeve who was tragically paralyzed due to a fall off his horse during an equestrian competition has done many things that have encouraged others. Like many paralyzed people Christopher considered attempting suicide. But with the support of friends and loved ones he managed to get through it and fight back. Being in the eye of the public he talked about his battle with his condition and his fight to never give up. By putting himself in front of so many people he gave them hope and inspired them to keep on fighting themselves. Another way he has helped others was by starting the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, which raised the most money ever made by a foundation in one night. The foundation supports research into possible treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and central nervous system disorders. It also makes quality-of-life grants to disability organizations and other charitable causes.
             Coincidently, right after Christopher's terrible accident, Michael J. Fox revealed that he had Parkinson's disease. After doing this he founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research that has helped make the disease a better-known one. It has put more information about the disease out in the public eye making more people aware of the conditions of this illness and more understanding to those who have it. He as well as his foundation has helped humanize the disease. PEOPLE magazine had an article on Michael and his foundation stating that the amplified p...