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Monday, September 16, 2002
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

NEWSMAKERS: North Las Vegas resident honored for volunteer work

Paul Martin wins 2002 Personal Achievement Award for Nevada from MDA

When Paul R. Martin woke up one morning in 1990 his life had changed.

Already diagnosed with hypokalemic periodic paralysis in 1973, Martin woke up years later paralyzed.

He lost his job as a store manager and decided to visit the Muscular Dystrophy Association to learn more about his condition.

He ended up volunteering immediately.

"I was so impressed with the organization and how much they were willing to help me," Martin says.

The 50-year-old North Las Vegas resident has been involved with the association ever since. He volunteers wherever he is needed, from helping with the organization's fund-raisers to transporting clients to appointments.

Martin was recognized for his efforts during the MDA telethon on Labor Day weekend. He received the 2002 Personal Achievement Award for Nevada.

"I think probably the reason they (MDA) did this is because I try to give that little extra," he explains. "I try to go out of my way."

He was honored to receive the award, especially since so many people do a lot in the community.

"It gives me the satisfaction that people know I am out there," he says.

Martin is involved in other community groups as well.

In 1996 he helped create Nevadans for Equal Access, a group that helps to provide adequate accessibility at local businesses. He helped start the group after having difficulty gaining access to a student area at the Community College of Southern Nevada where he was taking classes.

And Martin also is a member of the Governor's Task Force on Disabilities, where he is helping develop a 10-year plan to present to the Legislature to enhance the benefits for people with disabilities.

"It gives me a lot of pride in knowing I made even a little difference in somebody's life," he says. "While I don't always succeed, I never give up."

In other news:

• The Las Vegas chapter of the 100 Black Men of America honored Lillian McMorris for her community service on Sept. 7 at Happy Harry's Eatery.

• John Stroud, Stephen Gibbs, Marvin Alig of Las Vegas, and James Parson of North Las Vegas received All-American status last month at the 103rd annual Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention in Nashville.

If you know of a worthy candidate for the Newsmakers column, mail information to: Deana Di Dio, Las Vegas Review-Journal, P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125-0070. Send faxes to 383-4676 or send e-mail to ddidio@lvrj.com.