Newswise — ST. PAUL, Minn. – Comedian Josh Blue is the latest celebrity to help the American Academy of Neurology Foundation in its fight to cure brain disease – this time with a video public service announcement (PSA) Blue recorded to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and the need for research. Watch the PSA now.
Blue, best known for winning season four of NBC’s television show Last Comic Standing, continues to break down stereotypes of people with disabilities one laugh at a time. His stand-up routine is in a constant state of evolution and his off-the-cuff improvisational skills guarantee that no two shows are exactly alike.
“Having cerebral palsy, I wasn’t really sure what I was going to do, but my friends always told me I was really funny and I discovered stand-up comedy,” Blue recounts in the PSA. “So having a physical disability, I realized at a pretty young age that if there was anything I didn’t accomplish in my life, it wasn’t because I had cerebral palsy; it was because I was just being lazy.”
“Josh Blue’s zest for life and ability to overcome his disabilities serve as an inspiration to all of us in the neurologic community,” said John Mazziotta, MD, PhD, Chair of the American Academy of Neurology Foundation’s Board of Trustees and Professor and Chair of UCLA’s Brain Mapping Center in Los Angeles. “We commend Blue for his inspiring work and his commitment to helping everyone understand cerebral palsy and the importance of supporting research to prevent and treat this disorder.”
Cerebral palsy affects at least a half million people in the United States and is usually caused by brain damage before or during birth or during the first few years of a child’s life. Cerebral palsy can’t be cured, but treatment will often improve a child’s capabilities. Many children go on to enjoy near-normal adult lives if their disabilities are managed.
The PSA was produced by PSAV® Presentation Services, winner of a Telly Award for highest production honors.
Blue and his inspiring work to raise awareness about cerebral palsy will also be featured in an upcoming issue of Neurology Now, the Academy’s award-winning magazine for neurology patients and caregivers. Sign up for a free subscription athttp://www.neurologynow.com.
The American Academy of Neurology Foundation supports vital research into finding cures for brain disease. The Foundation is committed to improving patient care, quality of life and public understanding of brain disease. To learn more or to make a donation to support research, visithttp://www.aan.com/foundation.
The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 24,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
PSA here
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