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Marilyn Hamilton and Randy Snow of Sunrise Medical Inducted Into National Spinal Cord Industry Association Hall of Fame

Marilyn Hamilton, Vice President of Global Strategic Planning for Sunrise Medical, Fresno, CA, and Randy Snow, a Quickie Ambassador, will be inducted into the National Spinal Cord Industry (NSCIA) Association Hall of Fame on May 9 at a gala in the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center in Washington, D.C.

Hamilton and Snow's inductions into the NSCIA Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates their significant contributions to quality of life and advancements toward a better future for all individuals with spinal cord injuries. Hamilton was selected in the Entrepreneur category. Snow's selection was in the Sports category. The NSCIA, formed in 1948, is the nation's oldest and largest civilian organization dedicated to enabling those with spinal cord injuries and disabilities to achieve their highest level of independence, health and personal fulfillment. Other inductees include Christopher Reeve, posthumously, as well as singer Teddy Pendergrass and broadcaster John Hockenberry.

"The NSCIA is an organization that I greatly respect," said Hamilton. "This recognition is wonderful, because I believe so strongly in their mission of providing inspiration, encouragement and hope." Snow noted, "I have always strongly advocated for NSCIA because of their marvelous ability to provide resources, services and peer support in such an effective manner. I'm touched and honored at this recognition."

Hamilton's work as an inventor, entrepreneur and advocate for the injured and disabled have become legendary. After a 1978 hang gliding accident left her a paraplegic, she became dismayed by the prospect of living life in a cumbersome 50-pound wheelchair. Hamilton soon designed a lightweight, adjustable chair with a modular frame, responsive performance and a fun personality. The "Quickie" was born, and almost instantly revolutionized the wheelchair industry.

She co-founded Motion Designs in 1979 and began manufacturing the Quickie. In 1986, the company was purchased by Sunrise Medical, where Marilyn today serves as Vice President of Global Strategic Planning.

Thanks to the Quickie and other endeavors, Hamilton has touched millions of lives with her story, having appeared in books, magazines and national news programs including "60 Minutes." She was named California Business Woman of the Year and a member of the California Governor's Hall of Fame for People with Disabilities. She also founded WOW (Winners on Wheels) -- a scouting program for disabled children. An award-winning skier and tennis player, Marilyn has inspired a generation of wheelchair athletes. Her inspiring story and tennis chair are included in the Smithsonian collection, and are currently touring the country.

Randy Snow's achievements are similarly impressive, despite the fact that he has spent most of his life in a wheelchair. At age16, he was working on a farm when a 1,000-pound bale of hay crushed him, leaving him a paraplegic. Initially discouraged with his new life, Snow eventually not only accepted his life, he embraced it, discovering new options and opportunities for achievement.

He has won ten US Open tennis singles titles, and earned a silver medal in an exhibition race at the Los Angeles Summer Olympics. Snow is the only athlete in history to compete in three different summer Paralympic Games and earn medals in three different sports. Because of his pioneering achievements, Randy received the Paralympic torch from President Clinton to launch the Atlanta Paralympic Games in 1996. And in 2004, he was the first Paralympian inducted into the Olympic Hall of Fame.

Today, Snow is an award-winning author, a Fortune 500 speaker and the president of NOXQs (No Excuse), Inc., an achievement company.

Sunrise Medical is a world leader in the manufacture and marketing of medical products and assistive technology devices that address the recover, rehabilitation and mobility needs of consumers in institutional and homecare settings. Sunrise Medical products are manufactured in North America, Europe, and Asia and are distributed in more than 100 countries around the world. For more information regarding the company, visit our website at www.sunrisemedical.com.

Distributed by Market Wire