The Teddy Pendergrass Alliance

~A Message From Teddy~

"It is important that those of us with SCI live and are given the right to live as individuals in the way that we choose."

As a world-renowned entertainer I enjoyed an exciting, productive and active life as well as all the trappings of success. I’ve had five consecutive multi-platinum albums, Grammy nominations, numerous awards, keys to cities, movie appearances, TV specials, sold out national and international concerts, and endorsements. I had nothing but success everywhere I turned, everything I touched, everything I did, I was showered with success, and there was more to come. I was on top of the world and felt utterly invincible. Until, one tragic evening in March, 1982 when an automobile accident caused my life to change drastically. I became one of over 250,000 Americans suffering from a spinal cord injury (SCI).

Fortunately, I am blessed to be able to continue to work and be productive in my chosen profession. Far too many others, however, are not so fortunate. In May 2001,1 returned to the stage after 19 years. There are many agencies that are working tirelessly to find a much needed cure for spinal cord injuries. While I commend these worthwhile organizations and continue to support them, I feel that equal emphasis must be placed on quality of life today.

Because the quality of one's life is so important, I founded the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance to help provide education and occupational opportunities to people with SCI. From personal experience I recognized a strong need for a coordinated outreach to individuals with SCI that will encourage them to reach their maximum educational and vocational potential. There is a need to assist those with SCI to become or return to being productive members of society.

My vision is to create a national organization that will act as a conduit among individuals with SCI, colleges, universities, other educational institutions and employers. The Alliance will function as a national coordinating and referral service in partnership with local educational and vocational resources. We will also develop programs and scholarships to further assist those with SCI.

It is important that those of us with SCI, LIVE and are given the right to LIVE as individuals in the way that we choose. It is important that society recognize that people with SCI are people, not conditions or diseases. We all have challenges. I invite you to get involved with the TPA by becoming a corporate sponsor/partner, education partner, making a tax deductible donation, or volunteering your time. With your help, we can truly make a difference.

The Teddy Pendergrass Alliance is a 501c3 non-profit organization. You may contact the Alliance at Tpalliance1@aol.com.
 

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