I would like to commend Dr. Vivian Beyda and her staff for their tremendous work of once again coordinating and facilitating the annual meetings of the three associations we sponsor (American Paraplegia Society, American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Nurses, and American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Psychologists and Social Workers). Recognition is also due to our Meetings and Travel staff who ensure that everything falls into place at the meeting site.
Although the conference is only three days long, the amount of work that goes into putting together a program for one association, let alone three, is simply overwhelming. The fruition of their work is, of course, the actual bringing together of approximately 1,500 attendees for three days of intensive scientific presentations, simultaneously presented to three different audiences. The reward, of course, is that once a year we get these professionals in one place and give them the opportunity to talk to each other about the work they do and to share their knowledge with one another. This is the only forum of its kind in the field of spinal cord medicine, and we are proud to be the continuing sponsors because of its great potential for enhancing the care and treatment of our members and all persons with spinal cord disability.
This year, because of our new identity and expanded mission, a large number of staff from our Government Relations and Membership Services departments traveled to Las Vegas to meet and make contacts with professionals throughout the country who can help us in the work we are trying to accomplish. A round-table discussion was held upon returning to our office, where everyone expressed a great deal of enthusiasm for the people they had met and the resources that were identified. This information will help us greatly as we tailor our programs to better meet our members’ needs.
As you read this newsletter, I will be very busy attending different functions in celebration of Veterans Day. As we celebrate Veterans Day, it would be fitting to keep our service men and women currently in harm’s way in our thoughts and pray that they come back unharmed. We also need to pay them tribute for the work they are doing on a daily basis to protect our freedom. Happy Veterans Day to all our veteran members.
Until next month, keep your annual physical appointments and semper fi!
Peter Addesso
President
