Joe Dombek District Project Chair

Address: 10364 North Grove RoadSycamore, Illinois 60178

Phone Number: (815) 762-4521E-mail: Jdombek815@yahoo.com

District Project: Spastic Paralysis

The Spastic Paralysis Research Foundation was created by the I-I Kiwanis in 1952 to fund and support medical and scientific researchers dedicated to the research of spastic paralysis and other diseases related to the central nervous system.  In 1980, Key Club became involved in raising money for the foundation. Since then, the Spastic Paralysis Research Foundation has invested over $4 million into research grants. This has been our district project for 30 years and has become very important to our district.  

A little history for you…

Spastic paralysis is a category of diseases that affect the central nervous system, leading to the loss of most or all control over muscles of the human body. This can make something as easy such as brushing one’s teeth extremely difficult. Everyone is at risk for this condition. Cerebral Palsy: A condition where the motor control centers of the brain are damaged before, during, or shortly after birth

Spina Bifida: Occurs when the spinal cord does not form properly at birth and the skin cannot form around it. The disease requires the infant to undergo many surgeries to place the spine back to the body.

Multiple Sclerosis: Characterized by repeated attacks of nervous system damage followed by recovery.

Fragile X Syndrome: Is caused by a defect on the X chromosome. People with Fragile X cannot produce certain proteins, causing problems such as mental impairment, anxiety, unstable moods, epilepsy, and autistic behaviors.  Distinguished physical features such as hyper extensible joints, long face, larger ears, and flat feet usually occur also. 

Background info about Spastic Paralysis…

For each of the four Regional Training Conferences, there is a Spastic Paralysis fundraiser. District board members decide on the fundraiser for the RTC they are planning.

Also at the beginning of the year, District Members make their own Spastic Piggy banks that they can collect donations in. Look around at all District events for a piggy to donate to.

There are a 3 big fundraisers held during District Convention as well:

Spastic Paralysis Research Foundation Walk/Run: for a few years we have been holding a Spastic Paralysis Walk/Run on Saturday morning at District Convention. Key Clubbers gather to participate in the walk on the path around the hotel while raising money.

Hospitality Dance: People have a chance of buying raffle tickets to dance with a board member at the Hospitality Dance.

Spastics Foundation Luncheon: Carnations and happy grams are sold at this time. There is also a guest speaker to talk about the Spastics Foundation.  

Fundraisers for Spastic Paralysis… 

As this is I-I’s project, Kiwanis and Circle K also have fundraisers for Spastic Paralysis. Circle K holds the annual Holiday Embrace, which is a dinner dance. Certain Kiwanis regions hold a Spastics Bowl-a-thon, an event where participants raise money and enjoy a day of bowling. These are not only fundraisers, but a wonderful opportunity to improve K-Family relations.  

K-Family...

There are 3 awards for Spastic Paralysis which include the top 3 clubs in overall contributions, top 3 clubs with the highest percentages of giving per member, and club with greatest increase since last year’s donation; all presented during District Convention.  

Spastic Paralysis Awards…

Joe Dombek District Project Chair

Address: 10364 North Grove RoadSycamore, Illinois 60178

Phone Number: (815) 762-4521E-mail: Jdombek815@yahoo.com

District Project: Spastic Paralysis