Paralyzed Veterans of America Presents 2016 Fritz Krauth Award to Dr. Sarah Moyon

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) this week presented Dr. Sarah Moyon with the 2016 Fritz Krauth Award in Cleveland at its bi-annual board meeting. Dr. Moyon is a post-doctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Patrizia Casaccia, at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York. Her thesis characterized the transcriptomic profile of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells—the main remyelinating cells of the central nervous system, after injury, and among aging and multiple sclerosis (MS) sufferers. Dr. Moyon was awarded her PhD in 2013 and joined the Casaccia lab in early 2014. Her current research focuses on the epigenetic marks, especially DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation, of adult oligodendrocytes.

"It is an honor to be recognized in this way, and to know that I can plan this important research two years in advance. The faith that the fellowship has shown in us will inspire us to push even harder for answers that will bring hope to all who suffer inactive or slow cellular repair as a result of injury, aging or MS," said Dr. Moyon.

The Krauth Fellowship is named after Fritz Krauth, who was a member of and donor to Paralyzed Veterans. Krauth was a veteran who incurred a spinal cord injury as a naval aviator. He participated in the early years of organized wheelchair basketball, served as captain of the 1964 Olympic gold medal wheelchair basketball team, and was inducted into the National Wheelchair Basketball Hall of Fame. Before his death in 2002, Krauth provided a gift to Paralyzed Veterans to support research initiatives approved by the Research Foundation, and this annual award was established in his name.

"The fellow research grant is one among several important categories in research funding at Paralyzed Veterans of America's Research Foundation," said Lana McKenzie, associate executive director of Medical Services and Health Policy. "Dr. Moyon's grant scored the highest in this category, and her research will have a direct impact on Paralyzed Veteran' members living with MS."

The Paralyzed Veterans' Research Foundation, created in 1975, represents Paralyzed Veterans' commitment to support research that alleviates, and ultimately cures spinal cord paralysis. All grant applications undergo a rigorous review process. Initially, a panel of doctors, researchers and other spinal cord injury professionals rate each project for relevance and scientific merit. Final funding decisions are made by the Research Foundation Board of Trustees, which is composed entirely of paralyzed veterans, to ensure the process considers the needs of Paralyzed Veterans members. To learn more, visit pva.org/research.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America:
Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For nearly 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 34 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. (www.pva.org)

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SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America

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http://www.pva.org