The Spastic Paralysis Research Foundation

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The Spastic Paralysis Research Foundation

• Our Finest Project

Presented By The Illinois Eastern Iowa
District of Circle K International
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What is Spastic Paralysis?

• A condition in which there is poor control over
  the muscles.
• Results from damage to the Central Nervous System
  (CNS).
• The Central Nervous System contains the brain and
  spinal cord, which control your entire body.

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When does Spastic Paralysis occur?

• Before birth, while the child is still in the
  mothers womb.
• After birth from other causes such as those
  listed on the next slide

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What causes Spastic Paralysis?

• Trauma / Injury to the brain
• Trauma / Injury to the spinal cord
• Infections such as Meningitis
• Strokes
• Skull Fractures
• Head Trauma

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What problems arise from Spastic Paralysis?

• There are many different problems that can
  develop from Spastic Paralysis.
• A minor problem could be a slight speech
  impediment
• A major problem could be a person who has lost
  all control over his or her muscles, making
  walking impossible.
• All people with Spastic Paralysis will have
  different problems and the severity of the
  problems will depend on what part of the brain or
  spinal cord is damaged, and how damaged it is.

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The Spastic Paralysis Research Foundation

• Has been the main fundraising focus of the I-I
  District K-Family for over 55 years!
• The foundation gives out research grants that are
  usually five-year commitments, voted on by
  Kiwanis Spastic Paralysis Research Foundation.
• The SPRF board includes six Kiwanis members, one
  Key Club member, and one member from Circle-K.

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What is being done to cure Spastic Paralysis?

• As of right now, there is no cure for Spastic
  Paralysis.
• There are researchers out there that are working
  every day to find a cure, but research costs
  money. (Thats where we come in!)
• Numerous doctors and medical facilities are
  currently working on ways of detecting the early
  signs of Spastic Paralysis in prenatal babies.
• They are also researching ways to help those who
  have complications associated with Spastic
  Paralysis.

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What is currently being done? Continued

• With the new information that is being learned
  about Spastic Paralysis, doctors and researchers
  are able to learn more about the Central Nervous
  System.
• Along with the medical work being done, there are
  also many other things being done.
• Fundraising from Kiwanis, Circle K, Key Club
  help researchers to continue their work.
• Each year the I-I District undertakes the SPRF as
  their biggest fundraising focus.
• Without the support of the I-I District the SPRF
  probably would not continue because of lack of
  funding to continue research.

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Some History

• Since 1952 SPRF has been the main focus of the
  I-I District.
• Over the years, the I-I District of CKI has
  raised more than 50,000 for the Foundation.
• With the money raised the I-I District was able
  to create a CD-ROM called Atlas of the Brain
  from the book Atlas of the Brain, which is used
  by researchers and medical facilities all over
  the world.
• With the hours of fundraising that Circle-Kers
  and other members of the I-I K-Family do every
  year, they have helped raise awareness about
  Spastic Paralysis not only in their communities
  but across the globe!
• Each year clubs and divisions raise money through
  different fundraisers, from selling candy to
  bowl-a-thons.

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A Few Fundraising Examples

• Below is a list of a few fundraisers that have
  been, or
• are being done for Spastic Paralysis.
• Pie a Board Member
• Penny War
• Pizza Night
• Dance Marathon
• Happy/Sad Cans
• Bracelet Sales
• HOLIDAY EMBRACE!!!
• And Many More

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Things to Know and Remember

• That research still, and will always cost money.
• There is still a ton of research to be done to
  help those afflicted with Spastic Paralysis.
• We are the only district in the entire
  organization of Kiwanis, Circle K, Key Club
  that has a district project that all three levels
  of our district K-Family participate in.
• Every little bit counts, if your club can only
  raise 100, that is a great contribution. It can
  and will make a difference for the Spastic
  Paralysis Research Foundation.

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Luis V. Amador Medallion Award

• In 1992 the I-I District created this award.
• The award honors contributions of our Medical
  Director and allows a Divisional Council to
  extend special recognition to an individual who
  has demonstrated outstanding service within his
  or her community.

• A contribution of 500 is made to the endowment
  fund of the Spastic Paralysis Research Foundation
  in the name of the recipient when they receive
  the award.

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Meet some of our researchers...

• Below is some of the researchers working hard on
  finding a cure for Spastic Paralysis

• Dr. Luis V. Amador
• Dr. William Greenough
• Dr. Janet Rowley
• Dr. T.S. Parks
• Dr. David O. McLone
• Dr. Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
• Dr. Andrew Morgan

Dr. Antonio R. Damasio Dr. Thomas Woolsey Dr.
Elliott J. Roth Dr. Rodger J. Elbie Dr. Stephanie
Ceman Dr. Michael Pranzatelli
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For more information please visit

• I-I District Kiwanis Family
• www.iidistrict.org