United Spinal's New York City Chapter to Host Mardi Gras Fundraiser to Benefit People with Spinal Cord Injuries and Diseases

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Feb 07, 2019, 09:00 ET

NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association's New York City Chapter and over 400 wheelchair users and supporters will gather at Slate lounge on Tuesday, March 5 from 6pm-10pm for the 15th Annual Mardi Gras Fundraiser to support community programs and services for people living with spinal cord injuries and diseases (SCI/D).

"Our annual mardi gras event is a great way for local businesses to help maximize the quality of life and independence of New Yorkers with disabilities, as well demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion," said Jose Hernandez, president of NYC Spinal, United Spinal's New York City Chapter.

Guests of Honor at this year's event are Alex Elegudin and Yannick Benjamin, Co-Founders of Wheeling Forward, which provides people with disabilities advocacy, mentorship, and support services.

Since 2003, NYC Spinal has made over $300,000 in grant awards to assist wheelchair users to overcome the challenges of living with a disability.

Last year's program grants included adaptive sports, rehab, and art and accessible design sponsorships. Individual grants also funded accessible home modifications, transportation and therapeutic activities for members.

In addition to its grant program, NYC Spinal offers an injury prevention program for NYC schools that uses a combination of storytelling and musical performance to engage students in a conversation about violence and its consequences. The chapter Peer Support program also provides members with information and emotional support from the perspective of someone who's lived through the experience.

NYC Spinal was founded in 2003 to help the newly spinal cord injured. Currently, the chapter has 600 members working together to ensure people with SCI/D lead active, independent lives in their communities.

To learn more about attending NYC Spinal's 2019 Mardi Gras or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.nycspinalcord.org, email [email protected], or call 866-692-7242.

About United Spinal Association
Formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans, United Spinal is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. Membership is free and open to all individuals with SCI/D, with over 53,000 members across 50 chapters nationwide. Known for its revolutionary advocacy efforts, United Spinal played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, provided important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act, and was instrumental in attaining sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation in New York City, which created the standard accessibility model used in many United States cities.

SOURCE United Spinal Association