PVA Awareness Week Pays Tribute to America's Paralyzed Veterans

4/9/2003

From: David J. Uchic of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 202-416-7667

WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and its 34 chapters invite the public to attend more than 200 events scheduled across the country during the week of April 13-19. PVA Awareness Week 2003 will offer informational and educational programs nationwide that aim to raise awareness of PVA's mission of service to its members and the entire disability community.

PVA is the premier national veterans service organization that specifically advances the interests of paralyzed veterans. Founded in 1946, PVA has developed a unique expertise in a wide variety of issues involving the special needs of its members. PVA uses this expertise to be a leading advocate for:

-- Quality health care for PVA members, -- Research and education addressing spinal cord dysfunction and disease, -- Benefits available to our members as a result of their military service, and -- Civil rights and opportunities that maximize the independence of PVA members and all individuals with disabilities.

"PVA Awareness Week is a celebration of all the good work that has been done on behalf of paralyzed veterans across our great nation," stated PVA National President Joseph L. Fox, Sr. "The contributions of volunteers, staff and donors-as well as members helping other members-is what keeps PVA going strong. The commitment to help those who have served and sacrificed for their country is what makes my involvement with PVA fulfilling."

To learn more about PVA Awareness Week, and to find out about activities taking place in your community, visit the PVA Web site at http://www.pva.org.

------ Founded in 1946, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of individuals with spinal cord injury or disease. PVA is a dynamic, broad-based organization with more than 20,000 members in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. To learn more about PVA, visit its Web site at http://www.pva.org.