From Deseret News archives:
Reeve's advice buoyed Utah paraplegic
Matt Maw, a former Weber State University student who became paralyzed from the waist down after a February 2000 tumbling accident ended his career as the school's "Cat" mascot, met Reeve in April 2000. Reeve appeared at a fund-raiser at WSU to help offset Maw's medical expenses.
"America has lost someone who they can really look up to," Maw said. "We need more people like that."
Maw, 26, now lives in Smithfield and is attending Utah State University.
"I was very surprised at his passing," Maw said. "It was quite a shock. . . . My heart goes out to his family."
He said he will never forget meeting Reeve at WSU, and some of Reeve's advice has changed Maw's life for the better.
"He told me to demand respect from people," Maw said. For example, if someone is blocking his line of sight during a conversation, Maw said he will politely ask them to move.
Maw said the theme of his WSU talk was that nothing is impossible.
"That has always stuck with me. Reeve's attitude on life was to do the best with what you have."
Maw said seeing Reeve's positive attitude has definitely improved his own. Reeve's push for spinal cord research is another great accomplishment.
"When I was pursuing my acting career, I was pretty successful and pretty selfish at an early age," Reeve said four years ago during his WSU talk. "But since my accident, I realized that (success) didn't matter."
Prior to his accident, Reeve said, his life traveled at a speed of 60 mph; afterward it was 3 mph. "That's a better speed because it's easier to stop, look and listen (to others.)"
Reeve also advised Maw in his talk to take the high road.
"I think you suffered a really terrible blow, I suffered a terrible blow; but believe me, help is on the way," Reeve said. "And I know you have what it takes to turn this around in your mind."
Maw said he expects to graduate from USU next May in statistics and will likely pursue a career in sports statistics.
E-mail: lynn@desnews.com
