Today’s guest is actress, Vanessa Marano, who has been acting since she was 8 years old. She is known for her work in “Without a Trace” and “The Gilmore Girls” just to name a few. Vanessa and Vinnie talk about being a child actor, Hollywood, diet and fitness and most importantly her involvement with The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and their current campaign, The Big Idea. The advances that have been made for people with paralysis is truly amazing.
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How Vanessa Got Started in Acting
- Started classes when she was 6 at her mother’s children’s theater
- Knew she wanted to be an actress but her mother was against it
- Met with agents and they took her on as well as her younger sister
- She’s been in the business almost 14 years
Fitness and Diet
- Vanessa is 5’3” and a size 2 but is not naturally thin
- At 14 she gained 10 pounds…has to work at her body
- She stays away from carbs and sugar
- Does yoga, hikes and walks
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
- Christopher Reeve, who played Superman, had a horse accident and became a quadraplegic due to a spinal cord injury
- Vanessa is passionately involved with The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
- The Foundation is 70% about finding a cure and 30% quality of life
- They also get information to the newly injured
The Big Idea
- In 2010, research began on 4 men with paralysis
- They were implanted with a epidural stimulator and immediately, they got back 100% bowel control, bladder control, sexual function and temperature regulation – giving back their independence
- They could move parts of their bodies that were paralyzed
- By 2014 they had sustained the results…
What You Can Do
- The Reeve Big Idea Campaign is looking to raise $15,000,000 to make this protocol a reality for people with paralysis
- Doing another study with 36 men and women
- They are asking the public to donate $36 but please donate what you can at ReeveBigIdea.org and click on donate