Our Mission Statement
The Mississippi Paralysis Association, Inc. is dedicated to improving all areas of life for paralyzed individuals.
The Birth of MPA
Thomas L. Lunardini incorporated the Mississippi Paralysis Association on April 13, 1983. Tom was a C-3 quadriplegic. He was injured in a car accident in 1982 while a freshman at Hinds Junior College. Tom was a native of Jackson, MS, born on October 10, 1962. After his injury, he continued his education at Belhaven and Millsap's colleges. Tom saw that there was a great need for financial assistance for persons with disabilities. So, together with Daryel Dunaway, John Lee II, and Michael H. Grace, the Mississippi Paralysis Association (MPA) was born. Tom was the recipient of the WLBT Spirit of Missisippi award and Graduate of Leadership Jackson. He died on July 8, 1999 of respritory failure at the age of 36. Tom was as generous in death as he was in life. His donated organs gave six people the gift of life.
Today's MPA
Today, the Mississippi Paralysis Association is governed by a Board of Directors, all of whom are paralyzed due to spinal cord injuries. The MPA Board of Directors meets every month to review applications for assistance. MPA is funded primarily by Bingo World located at 1225 Sunset Drive, Grenada, MS. 85% of MPA's funds are dedicated to assisting others. Only 15% goes toward administrative costs. If you would like to be considered for board membership, please write or call our Clinton office. (See contact info.)
Services Provided by MPA
1. The Thomas L. Lunardini Scholarship Award:
A $10,000.00 scholarship will be awarded to one individual with a spinal cord injury per year to assist in tuition and the purchase of books at the college of the recipient's choice.
2. The Bennie Owens, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Award:
A $5000.00 scholarship awarded to an individual with a disability that attends the Rehabilitation Counseling Master's Program at Jackson State University. This scholarship is to be used for the cost of tuition and purchase of books.
3. Provide individuals with assistance in purchasing adaptive equipment, supplies, or home and vehicle modifications, which will allow them to live independently, and improve their quality of life.
4. To provide peer support through telephone or personal contact and 24-hour messaging service. Call (601)924.0453 or (662)229.0934.
5. To support research in the area of spinal cord injury.
