ABOUT THE I-I DISTRICT'S FINEST PROJECT:

 

SPASTIC PARALYSIS RESEARCH FOUNDATION 

 

The Spastics Paralysis Research Foundation was organized in 1952. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide financial grants to top level medical and scientific researchers specializing in spastic paralysis and other diseases of the central nervous system. Grant recipients are located in proximity to the I-I District. They make application to the Foundation for financial support of a project, the application is reviewed by the Medical Director, Dr. Rodger Elble and the Foundation officers. Typical grants are then pledged for $20,000 a year over a 3 to 5 year period. Each researcher provides annual written reports on the progress of their research to the Medical Director. Grants are given to the researcher, not the institution, with direction that the funds are not to be applied to the administrative costs of the institution, but specifically to the cost of the project. The annual grant budget for the Foundation is about $300,000 annually. The foundation has its own Board, made up of the I-I District Officers and 3 Lt. Governors, in addition to three of the medical researchers.  The I-I District Circle K and Key Club Governors are also honorary members of the Foundation Board.

What is Spastic Paralysis?
Spastic Paralysis is not necessarily a disease itself, but a symptom of various diseases or medical conditions of the central nervous system that cause spasticity (stiff or rigid muscles that interfere with walking, movement, or speech). Research has included diseases such as brain tumors, spina bifida, Alzheimer, genetic causes of mental retardation such as fragile x syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, stroke rehabilitation, neonatal care and developmental disabilities of prematurely born infants. Other research has been purely scientific in the development of medical equipment and techniques used to study the nervous system.

The Spastic Paralysis Research Foundation is a charitable organization as defined under section 501 (c)(3) of the IRS Code, so contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible.

 

DR. LUIS V. AMADOR MEDALLION AWARD

The I-I District in 1992-93 created the Luis V. Amador Medallion Award. This award honors the 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. Complete details are available from the District Office.

Created in the 1992-93 Kiwanis year, The Luis V. Amador, M.D. Medallion Award is a program that allows a Divisional Council within the Illinois-Eastern Iowa District of Kiwanis International to extend special recognition and honor to an individual that has demonstrated outstanding service within his or her community. The recipient of the award is presented a medallion. A contribution is also made in the name of the recipient to an endowment fund with the Spastics Paralysis Research Foundation of the I-I District, the income from which will be used to continuously support the programs of the Foundation.

 

ABOUT DR. LUIS V. AMADOR
The Amador Medallion Award is named in honor and memory of Dr. Luis V. Amador, the medical director of the Spastic Paralysis Research Foundation from its inception in 1952 through 2004. Dr. Amador was Professor of Clinical Surgery at the University of Illinois-College of Medicine in Chicago and Professor of Clinical Surgery at Northwestern Medical School in Chicago.  He authored, through a grant from the Spastics Foundation, Brain Tumors in the Young, a definitive book on the subject which the Foundation has circulated worldwide to hospitals with pediatric neurosurgeons.  Dr. Amador was also co-author of The Atlas of the Brain, a CD that was produced in conjunction with the I-I District Key Club.  Dr. Amador passed away in April 2007.  His legacy to the medical research field and his impact on the lives of children will continue to touch the lives of many for years to come.

The Spastic Paralysis Research Foundation is truly considered “our Finest Project” within the I-I District of Kiwanis and this award combines Kiwanis admiration for Dr. Amador with admiration for many other individuals who, through service, inspire us all.

The Luis V. Amador, M.D. Medallion Award is an award program within the Spastic Paralysis Research Foundation that allows a Kiwanis Divisional Council, District Board, Key Club and Circle K Boards within the I-I District to extend special recognition and honor to an individual that has demonstrated outstanding service within his or her community.  The recipients listed herein have been nominated for recognition and receive a numbered Amador Medallion. A minimum contribution of $500 is made in the name of the recipient to an endowment fund within the Spastic Paralysis Research Foundation of the I-I District of Kiwanis, the income from which will be used to continuously support the programs of the Spastic Paralysis Research Foundation.