Testaverde Fund for Spinal Cord Injury Announces Formation of the Long Island Spinal Cord Injury Resource Center
The Testaverde Fund for SCI announces the creation of the LI Spinal Cord Injury Resource Center. Its mission will be to provide information and support to families who have had a loved one victimized by spinal cord injury, as well as to undertake an education program geared for high school students aimed at SCI Prevention.
(PRWEB) January 31, 2005
The Testaverde Fund for Spinal Cord Injury, Inc., a non-profit organization focused on helping fund spinal cord injury research, has announced the formation of the Long Island Spinal Cord Resource Center (LISCIRC). Based in Wantagh, LI, it will provide education programs to schools on Long Island as well as serve as a resource and support network to families whose loved one has fallen victim to spinal cord injury.
The group will be available to meet with families at any time who are in need of someone to talk with, or in need of basic information. The Center has created information kits for families and has opened a web site with information about SCI and their services at www. testaverdefund. org. It is also reaching out to neuro-surgeons and hospitals throughout Long Island to spread the word to their patients.
Ron Quartararo, president of the Testaverde Fund stated, “The mission of LISCIRC is to help families get through the emotional trauma of coping with a son, daughter, sibling, or other close relative or friend who has been a victim of a SCI accident. In addition, our goal is to reach out to high school students through their health classes to educate them about SCI Prevention.”
Joe Testaverde, 21 year old cousin of Vinny Testaverde and assistant director of LISCIRC, will be conducting presentations to high school health classes aimed at Prevention, relating his experiences in a way he believes will connect with students. “Its important for kids to understand what’s its like to live with SCI – not just the physical disability, but the many other complications that go along with it – both medical and psychological.” Since many of spinal cord injuries involved accidents, Joe hopes his talks can help prevent injuries. “If we only save one kid from having a SCI, the whole effort will be worthwhile!”
High school teachers or administrators interested in contacting LISCIRC for a presentation to their classes can contact us at education@testaverdefund. org or call 516-221-WALK. Similarly, families in need of assistance can contact support@testaverdefund. org or call the same number. Speakers are also available for community and fraternal organizations.
The next LISCIRC fund-raisers will be a Race for Spinal Victory at Jones Beach on April 10. In addition the annual Spinal Victory Challenge golf outing/dinner will be held at Woodmere Country Club on Long Island on May 23, honoring Dr. Wise Young, director of the Spinal Cord Injury Project at Rutgers. More information can be obtained by visiting the web site at www. testaverdefund. org.
The Testaverde Fund is a 501C3 tax-exempt organization whose goal it is to help support research and education in the fight to cure SCI. The friends and family of Joe Testaverde following his injury in a swimming pool accident in July 2000, which left him paralyzed at age 17, organized it. It will serve as the primary fundraising arm for LISCIRC.
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