William Craig, Lexington, KY, To Receive The 2014 American Rehabilitation Champion Award

ROSEMONT, Ill., Oct. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In January 2008, William Craig – a teenager at the time – was a passenger in a car traveling over 100 MPH.  The driver was texting when she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree.  Wil sustained a severe traumatic brain injury, broken ribs and a collapsed lung.  He was in a coma for eight weeks with a very slim chance of survival. 

Once Wil made a sufficient recovery, he became very passionate about preventing other teens from texting while driving.  He is featured in a documentary by AT&T on the subject titled "The Last Text."  Wil also went on tour with the National Organization for Youth Safety, telling his story at high schools across the country.  He continues in efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of texting and driving among teens.

The American Rehabilitation Champion was created to honor extraordinary individuals who have demonstrated courage and determination in their efforts to overcome disability, with the help of a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physician (physiatrist).  Wil was nominated by Dr. Sarah Wagers, one of his treating physicians, for his outreach to teens across the country.  He will receive the award on Saturday, November 15 in San Diego during the plenary session of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

About The Foundation for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation:
Nine out of 10 Americans will suffer functional disability due to illness or injury at some point in their lives.  The Foundation for PM&R is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which strives to restore health, improve function, minimize pain and enhance quality of life  for individuals with disability through research and education in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation.  Over 85% of support for the Foundation comes from private individual donations.  For more information, please contact Phyllis Anderson at [email protected] or visit the website at www.foundationforpmr.org.

Contact: Jennifer L. Vince 
Phone: 312-593-4470
[email protected]

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/william-craig-lexington-ky-to-receive-the-2014-american-rehabilitation-champion-award-345592274.html

SOURCE Foundation for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Related Links

http://www.foundationforpmr.org