Christopher Reeve's son Matthew announces "hope becoming realized" in spinal-injury research

Christopher Reeve's oldest son Matthew exclusively shared a look at "a video showing the amazing progress made by four young men paralyzed by spinal cord injuries" with People.

Christopher died a decade ago, but Matthew wishes his father was alive to see the "huge breakthrough" in the treatment. He told the magazine, "It's hard not to think, 'What if he was here and what if he was present for this breakthrough?'"

Excited at the progress, he explains the amazing transformation for the men. Originally told they would never be able to move below their neck or chest, hard work and groundbreaking research through epidural stimulation allows the men to stand and move hips, legs, and toes.

"There's a comfort in the fact that we wouldn't be where we are had it not been for his tireless advocacy."

Christopher made a splash as Superman and became one of the most recognizable faces in the role--in part from handsome features and soft, kind eyes. When the actor was paralyzed in a 1995 horseback riding incident, he spent the last 9 years of his life lobbying and searching for a cure. Not only for himself, but everyone in the same position. He never backed away from cutting-edge research, or fighting for the use of the research.

Alongside his wife Dana, the two worked tirelessly to help the six million Americans living with paralysis. Setting up the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. Even though Dana died from lung cancer in 2006, the Reeve children have continued the legacy.

"It was a big part of all of our lives," Matthew says. Siblings Alexandra Reeve Givens, 30, a senior counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Will Reeve, 22, a recent college graduate, all work with the Foundation.

It's a huge honor to continue the work he started.

Matthew's looking to raise $15 million in order to allow 36 more men and women for the next stage of the research. The Kentucky's University of Louisville "treatment involves implanting a device on the spine normally used to treat pain to stimulate the nerves and remind them how to work again."

Rob Summers, 28, is a former college baseball player and says the experience is absolutely life-changing. Hes now a coach, motivational speaker, and advocate of the treatment. Dustin Shillcox, 30, agrees. Its given me self-confidence.

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Christopher Reeve's son Matthew announces "hope becoming realized" in spinal-injury research