Delaware Valley Stroke Council Stroke Awareness Night with the 76ers - Honoree Carolyn Handy.

PHILADELPHIA -- Carolyn A. Handy, a long time activist in Philadelphia's African American community, will be honored by the 76ers organization and the Delaware Valley Stroke Council for her courage as a stroke survivor during halftime at the 76ers game on April 5, 2006 against the Chicago Bulls. Carolyn Handy, a stroke survivor, is active with the Delaware Valley Stroke Council where she works on several committees. Among other activities, she participates in the annual Dr. Howard Mazer Memorial Stride for Stroke 5K Run/Walk and the annual Stars for Stroke Gala.

Ms. Handy, who suffered a stroke in 1999, returned to work full-time at Community Behavioral Health (CBH), where she is a network development assistant. She was appointed by Governor Ed Rendell to the Pennsylvania Independent Living Council in 2005. She has chaired both the personnel and the employment committees.

Ms. Handy has a long history working with underserved Philadelphians. Among other jobs, she is a former chief operating officer at BEBASHI and oversaw government relations at United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania. She has served in federal posts under the administrations of former presidents: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan.

"All people with disabilities should have a chance to work including those who are stroke survivors," stated Ms. Handy. Ms. Handy expressed her gratitude to co-workers at CBH, her great friend Pat Hecht, Dr. Rodney Bell and Dr. William Young.