PVA Gift of $250,000 to Yale University Underwrites Research Seeking Cure of Spinal Cord Dysfunction

4/11/2002

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

WASHINGTON, April 11 -- Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) will present a gift of $250,000 to the PVA/EPVA Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration at Yale University on Friday, April 12. PVA's gift will fund research for spinal cord dysfunction and its cures.

Formed more than 10 years ago, the center's mission is to understand the effects of traumatic injuries and multiple sclerosis on the spinal cord and to develop treatments for spinal cord dysfunction. A number of laboratories located within the center conduct research on various aspects of spinal cord dysfunction.

"By supporting our research, PVA has helped us make progress in understanding the complexities of spinal cord dysfunction," noted Dr. Stephen G. Waxman, MD, PhD. "As a result, our research professionals have made advancements in terms of developing new therapies that improve the quality of life of those who have spinal cord dysfunction."

Waxman is director of the PVA/EPVA Center, which was formed by a special collaboration among PVA, Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Yale University School of Medicine.

"The work of Dr. Waxman and his team of researchers reflect our goals at PVA, which would be an improvement in the quality of life for those with a spinal cord dysfunction while we seek a cure," noted Joseph L. Fox, Sr., PVA president. "Our gift is our commitment to that vision."

The Paralyzed Veterans of America, a veterans service organization chartered by Congress, has for more than 55 years served the needs of its members, all of whom have catastrophic paralysis caused by spinal cord injury or disease. To learn about PVA, visit its Web site at http://www.pva.org/.