Reeve decided to use his celebrity status to campaign for stem cell research that might help find a cure for him and others like him, but he was stunned to find out just how controversial it was, particularly in the United States.
"A number of religions think that destroying an embryo, even one that is already destined to be thrown away as medical waste is immoral," he says. They have weighed in on the issue, talking about the sanctity of life."
He insists that he is using his celebrity status responsibly and believes that his work as a patient advocate has had a huge benefit on his mental health. "There is a reason to get up every morning, beyond being here for my family. I have work to do everyday that may effect the outcomes for other patients."
Reeve is also a great believer in being proactive over personal health. "I urge people not to take their health for granted. To really pay attention to diet and exercise, particularly as people get older," he says.
So what does he think makes a good doctor and a good patient? "A good doctor goes the extra mile for his patients, in spite of the limitations of the healthcare system," says Reeve. "They need to be independent thinkers who are full of compassion."
"A good patient should learn everything he can about his illness or disability and be willing to try reasonable recommendations and meet challenges that are posed by doctors or patients. A good patient also needs to maintain self discipline."