HARRISBURG, APRIL 4, 2007 - Citing her long effort to recover from a serious injury while still fighting for Pennsylvania’s working families, Philadelphia’s “Women Making a Difference” organization has given state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione their “Profile of Courage Award.” “For three years the Senator fought to increase the minimum wage for the first time since 1996, while at the same time fighting to walk again,” the group said in a statement. Tartaglione was paralyzed in a 2003 boating accident, but has recovered sufficiently to push landmark legislation through the Senate and, eventually, walking to her seat on the Senate floor last year. “I am humbled by this honor,” Tartaglione said. “This wasn’t a path that I would have chosen, but it has made me stronger and has firmed my commitment to help those who are fighting to help themselves.” Along with pushing for the minimum wage increase, Tartaglione —only the fifth woman ever elected to the Senate -- helped establish the Office for People with Disabilities in the Governor’s Office, and was named to the board of the Buoniconti Fund, a national spinal injury research organization founded in 1985 by NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti. Tartaglione was given the award at the ninth annual awards program of Women Making a Difference, founded by Philadelphia City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. “It was inspiring to be in the presence of so many strong and accomplished women, all fighters,” Tartaglione said. “I took away a lot of energy from them.” |
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