November 17, 2010

Dear Professional Colleague:

Due to circumstances beyond our control, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) regrets to inform you that we have decided to discontinue our involvement in the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals (Academy).

As you know, PVA has made a significant investment of time and resources in supporting the Academy and the educational activities of the Congress of Spinal Cord Medicine over the past two years. We respect the desire of the Academy leadership to completely control the future direction of the organization, but as our vision of the relationship was that of a true partnership, we have decided that our interests lie in a different direction. We value the opportunity that we had to work with the Academy governance board and its members, and wish the Academy leadership well in future endeavors.

Paralyzed Veterans of America will continue to aggressively advocate for advancements in spinal cord medicine and support the health-care professionals associated with this vitally important field, by promoting educational and networking opportunities. As PVA moves forward with our plans, we will, of course, keep you informed. Please be on the lookout for further communication from us about these developments, as well as events of interest to all spinal cord injury/disorder (SCI/D) clinicians.

Your professional interest in serving the SCI/D population continues to be important to Paralyzed Veterans of America. We would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to contact us with any questions regarding this separation. You can do so by emailing ASCIPRO@PVA.ORG.

For 64 years we have worked with SCI/D professionals to maximize the quality of life all individuals with SCI/D experience and to promote disability rights. We look forward to working with you for many future decades to improve health outcomes for all people with SCI/D.

Sincerely,

Bill Lawson National President

Homer S. Townsend, Jr. Executive Director

Chartered by the Congress of the United States

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