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NOVEMBER 2025 | ISSUE #43 | PVA SUPPORTER EDITION
MEET AIR FORCE VETERAN AND PVA MEMBER MARK
Mark was diagnosed with MS in 2002, and over the next 11 years, despite receiving medical care for MS and maintaining an active lifestyle, Mark’s symptoms were intensifying and began to affect his personal and professional life. “My right leg would shake while rock climbing, or my foot would drop off the pedal while riding my bike,” Mark said. “As an athlete, I just wanted to push myself to keep going, but my body just wouldn’t cooperate.”
It wasn’t until 2013 that Mark learned the correct and more serious diagnosis of ALS. Knowing the severity of the disease and its correlation with military service, his doctors told him he needed an advocate.
"They advised me to visit the VA to discuss my care and benefits,” he said. “But they told me to talk to Paralyzed Veterans of America first. They said Paralyzed Veterans would take care of everything, and they were certainly right."
Mark began working at PVA's Sacramento Service Office and PVA helped him complete and file the forms for a power chair and an adaptive vehicle so he could continue to work as the muscle weakness became more severe. PVA helped him obtain the adaptive housing grants so he and his wife could stay in their home.
HONORING VETERANS DAY
PVA members, leaders, staff, and supporters attended ceremonies around the country in honor of those who have served our nation. From laying wreaths and speaking at local tributes to participating in national observances, PVA showed up to ensure Veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases were represented and remembered.
PVA CONTINUES TO ADVOCATE FOR MEMBERS
Amid the government shutdown, PVA continued its advocacy efforts. At the end of the October, PVA testified before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee about the importance of VA disability benefits to Veterans with catastrophic injuries. Jeremy Villanueva, Associate Legislative Director and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, testified for PVA.
HELP PROVIDE LIFE CHANGING SUPPORT
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IN THE NEWS
A historic shutdown is over. It leaves no winners and much frustration, AP News
The longest government shutdown in history has come to an end, with almost no one happy with the final result. The fallout of the shutdown landed on millions of Americans, including federal workers who went without paychecks and airline passengers who had their trips delayed or canceled. An interruption in nutrition assistance programs contributed to long lines at food banks and added emotional distress going into the holiday season.
L'Oréal USA partners with Paralyzed Veterans of America for second consecutive year and hosts Have A Beautiful Day event from coast to coast, PVA
PVA partnered with L'Oréal USA for the second consecutive year for L'Oréal USA's Have A Beautiful Day event, an annual initiative honoring U.S. veterans, military personnel, and their families. The event took place on Nov. 12, spanned four cities across the country, and drew in more than 60 Veterans with disabilities and their families.
Uber denies rides to passengers with disabilities, Justice Department claims in lawsuit, CBS News
The Justice Department has filed a $125 million lawsuit against Uber, alleging that the ride-sharing company discriminates against passengers with disabilities. The department said Uber violated the ADA, which prohibits discrimination based on disability. Uber said in a statement that it disagrees with the DOJ's allegations. The ADA requires ride-sharing companies to allow service animals accompany people with disabilities on rides and provide rides and assistance to people with stowable wheelchairs and mobility devices, the Justice Department said.
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