Teddy Pendergrass Alliance and National Spinal Cord Injury Association Announce Partnership

October 30th, Bethesda, MD - Soul music legend Teddy Pendergrass and the National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) today have announced the formation of a partnership between his charitable group, the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance (TPA), and NSCIA.

The partnership will focus on reaching people with spinal cord injuries as early as possible after their injury with a message hope and of practical support as these individuals return to an independent and productive life.

Pendergrass and NSCIA CEO Marcie Roth made the announcement together at conclusion of the 2006 SCI Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts tonight. Pendergrass is an inaugural member of the Hall of Fame which was created in 2005 by NSCIA to celebrate and honor individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to quality of life and advancements toward a better future for all individuals with spinal cord injury.

"I know what it's like to face a life changing event like a spinal cord injury, and I know how much the right support can mean to someone, especially in those first few days and weeks after the injury," said Pendergrass. "I've been truly blessed in my life and this is a chance for me to make a difference for others in the most direct way I can think of."

TPA and NSCIA are launching development of an interactive video presentation featuring individuals with spinal cord injury, and a high profile music performance targeted for late 2007 to coincide with next year's SCI Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

"This is a new chapter in a long-standing relationship that is leading us to creative solutions that reach every person with a spinal cord injury, and inspiring them as they begin a new journey in life," said NSCIA CEO Marcie Roth.

Pendergrass, 56, was paralyzed in a 1982 car crash. After a year of rehabilitation, he returned to the recording scene, and released another album in 1984. Teddy then delighted his fans when he returned to the stage in 1985 as part of LiveAid and he has remained active in recording and performing since.

The mission of TPA is to advance the lives of people with SCI through education and employment.

TPA aims to offer scholarships and work with colleges and universities to help people with SCI into schools, and works to encourage hiring of people with SCI.

The mission of The National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) is to enable people with spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D) to achieve their highest level of independence, health, and personal fulfillment by providing resources, services, and peer support.

NSCIA actively advocates for best practices and public policies that proactively affect people with SCI/D, their families and service providers. The Association conducts public policy initiatives through its local chapters and at the national level and actively collaborates with other national organizations on issues of mutual concern.