Dear Jo,

Happy Dog Days of Summer from Unite 2 Fight Paralysis. While we know that paralysis never takes a vacation, we hope that many of you are able to "get away" for a bit with family and/or friends this season.

We have lots of updates for October's Working 2 Walk Symposium in this newsletter. Registration is now open, with discounted Early Bird rates in effect through September 15. As always we do not charge for personal assistants, but you must submit that person's information when you register. We also offer a 50% discount for individuals with paralysis and for students. Information on all of the available discounts and grants can be found on the Registration page.

Hotel Reservations can be booked at the Hilton Seattle Airport Hotel & Conference Center, adjacent to to Sea-Tac Airport. We have secured a special group rate of $119/night; please follow the instructions on our web page to get the proper accommodations.

Travel Grants are available to help provide assistance with travel expenses. To apply please complete the application form in its entirety. We will notify all applicants of their award status no later than August 31.

Speaker Spotlight: We are excited to welcome first-time speakers Drs. Amy Moore & Ida Fox to share the success stories they've had with peripheral nerve surgery. They are currently conducting a Clinical Study to observe function and quality of life in patients before and after nerve transfer surgery.

Amy M. Moore, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Dr. Moore will provide an overview of the significant stepping stones that have translated basic science peripheral nerve research to clinical applications. Rooted in strong basic science research, patients are benefiting and achieving functional outcomes not previously seen.

Ida K. Fox, MD, is also an Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Fox will discuss how the science of peripheral nerve injury can be exploited to restore function in spinal cord injury. She will specifically describe her experience with the use of nerve transfers to restore hand function in patients with cervical spinal cord injury.

Our Speaker List has been updated and features an outstanding lineup that will address a variety of topics in the fields of research, recovery, and advocacy for people living with paralysis. If you want to learn about the latest advances and be part of developing strategies for the future, plan to join us in Seattle.

Just in time for this year's conference we've added a Media Kit section to our website. Here you'll find quick links to Social Media tools, Advocacy resources, the history and achievements of Unite 2 Fight Paralysis, and key facts about the Working 2 Walk Symposium.

There is still time to join the Working 2 Walk team as a conference supporter. Our publicity efforts, web traffic, and social media conversations are increasing rapidly as we head toward the symposium; be part of the buzz as an official W2W Supporter. Click here for information on all of our Supporter packages.

Questions about Working 2 Walk should be directed to Marilyn Smith, marilynsmith@u2fp.org.

Advocacy News:

Our friends at Massachusetts Walks Again will host their annual "Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day", September 17, 2014 at noon at the State House in Boston. The MWA group has worked diligently and successfully for over 10 years to increase research funding for SCI cure in the state of Massachusetts. If you live in the area, please plan to join them on September 17.

Led by U2FP's Matthew Rodreick, advocacy initiatives are taking off in the state of Minnesota. He has helped to form a strong coalition that will renew the effort to pass legislation that provides funding for SCI research in the state. In addition, one of his local colleagues created a petition through the "We the People" website to bring attention to the urgent need for SCI research and funding at the federal level. It's an ambitious project that requires 100,000 signatures, a goal that must be reached in 30 days. The reward, however, is handsome, as the White House will respond to any petition that crosses that signature threshold. Sign the Petition.

Save the date New Yawkers! Born for Broadway is coming to the Kaufman Music Center for one night only on October 17. BFB is a celebrity music revue, featuring Broadway and TV stars who donate their time and talent to raise funds for paralysis causes. U2FP Board member Sarah Galli is the founder and Executive Producer of this event that unites the theatre community for a cause larger than their own. Tickets are now on sale; if you cannot attend, your donation is greatly appreciated.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Sincerely,

Marilyn

Unite 2 Fight Paralysis 3078 Eliot Dr Hood River OR 97031 u2fp.org