SHORT HILLS, N.J., May 21, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the weeks leading up to Father's Day, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation looks to honor a special man who defies the limitations of paralysis as a father and role-model by launching the third annual Best Dad on Wheels contest.
Individuals can visit ChristopherReeve.org/bestdad from May 21 to June 5 to nominate a biological, adoptive, or foster father in the United States who is living with paralysis. The nomination, which can be submitted by anybody who knows the father, must include an essay up to 200 words that demonstrates the impact he has had on his family and his community. Nominators must also submit a photo and have the option of uploading a video, as well.
"There are many men out there who, like Christopher Reeve, have embraced the importance of family and fatherhood in the face of great physical challenges," said Peter T. Wilderotter, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation President and CEO. "This is why we are once again looking to recognize a father who lives with paralysis and exhibits compassion, dedication and positivity, and honor him as the Best Dad on Wheels."
Ten semi-finalists, who will be selected by a panel of judges, will be featured on ChristopherReeve.org for the public to review the nominations and cast their votes from June 8 through June 17. In addition to being named the 2012 Best Dad on Wheels, the winning father will receive a gift card to Tilt-A-Rack, a national supplier of mobility carriers, racks and ramps.
Eric Lantz, the winner of the 2011 Best Dad on Wheels contest, is a Houston-based father who has been living with T5 complete spinal cord injury since he was 18 years old. As an occupational therapist, Lantz, 41, applies his own personal experiences to work with his patients.
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation also recently named Edna Escher-Gaston, 61, of Swarthmore, Penn., the winner of its 2012 Best Mom on Wheels contest. Escher-Gaston is a mother and grandmother who was one of the initial signers of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and a cofounder of the Barrier Awareness of Delaware County.
According to a study initiated by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, there are nearly 1 in 50 people living with paralysis – approximately 6 million people – in the U.S.
To nominate a father for the 2012 Best Dad on Wheels contest, entries must be submitted on ChristopherReeve.org/bestdad no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 5.
About the Reeve Foundation
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. For more information please visit our website at ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.
Janelle LoBello
(973) 379-2690 ext. 7111
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