PHOENIX, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The Brain Injury Association of Arizona (BIAAZ) will honor six Arizonans and one health care corporation at its annual dinner-dance fundraiser, the Desert Sky Ball, Saturday, February 11, 2006, at the Marriott Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix.
Those being honored are: * Cathy Eden, PhD, of Phoenix, former director, department of health services, State of Arizona -- recipient of the Advocacy Award, which recognizes the Arizonan who has worked tirelessly to promote a better understanding of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the rights of survivors and their families. * Kathern Plenge, M.D, of Paradise Valley, former medical director, neurorehabilitation unit, Barrow Neurological Institute -- recipient of the Care Award, which recognizes a health care provider in Arizona who has made outstanding contributions to the care, treatment and rehabilitation of persons who have suffered a TBI. * Alfredo De La Cruz, Peoria; Alexander Gantchev, Phoenix; Mark Julien, Flagstaff; and Melissa Ronald, Surprise -- recipients of Spirit Awards, which recognize Arizona survivors of TBI who have demonstrated outstanding courage and determination in the face of the injury and who serve as an inspiration for fellow survivors.
Photographs of the individual award recipients are available at: http://www.biaaz.org/info/youhelp/fundraising.asp
Recipient of the BIAAZ Progress Award is Allergan, Inc., Irvine, Calif., for the company’s significant medical contributions to the care, treatment and rehabilitation of persons who have suffered a TBI. Allergan is being honored for its work with Botox, which is used to treat spasticity in TBI.
Rick D’Amico, the Emmy Award winning Broadcaster who co-hosts “FOX 10 Arizona Morning” and anchors FOX 10 News @ Noon, will serve as master of ceremonies at the BIAAZ Desert Sky Ball for the second consecutive year.
BIAAZ is a non-profit membership organization of people with brain injuries and their families, friends, and service providers working together since 1983 to provide information & referrals, education, advocacy and support for those affected by brain injury. BIAAZ is the only statewide organization in Arizona dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with brain injuries and their families and preventing brain injuries. BIAAZ is a chartered state affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America.
Brain Injury Association of Arizona
CONTACT: Barry Cohen, Communications Director of Brain Injury Associationof Arizona, +1-602-508-8024, barry@biaaz.phxcoxmail.com
