Late Monday, Dana Reeve, who fought for better treatments and possible cures for paralysis through the Christopher Reeve Foundation, named for her late actor-husband, has died of lung cancer, the foundation said.

Reeve, when first diagnosed with lung cancer, said, "More than ever, I feel Chris with me as I face this challenge. As always, I look to him as the ultimate example of defying the odds with strength, courage and hope in the face of life's adversities."

Reeve is one of the cases of lung cancer diagnosis in people who never smoked. Doctors say of lung cancer diagnosis made, 10 to 20 percent of lung cancer patients never smoked.

"On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and staff of the Christopher Reeve Foundation, we are extremely saddened by the death of Dana Reeve. Dana will always be remembered for her passion, strength and ceaseless courage that became her hallmark," said Kathy Lewis, President and CEO of the foundation. "Along with her husband, Christopher, she faced adversity with grace and determination, bringing hope to millions around the world."

Survived by her son Will, 13, and two grown stepchildren, Matthew and Alexandra, Dana Reeve was 44.