Hundreds of Events Across the Country Celebrate Paralyzed Veterans of America

4/9/2004

From: David J. Uchic of Paralyzed Veterans of America, 202-416-7667 or 202-368-7633 (cell)

WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and its 34 chapters invite the public to attend more than 250 events scheduled across the country during the week of April 11-17. PVA Awareness Week 2004 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 injury 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 allows our chapters and other offices across the country to show their communities how the contributions of donors, volunteers and staff help our paralyzed veterans," stated PVA National President Joseph L. Fox, Sr. "It's important to note that the benefits of volunteering flow in both directions; in other words, our volunteers report a high level of satisfaction when they work on programs and events that improve the quality of life of PVA members."

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.