UCP AffNet Entrance
Press Releases: 2004 Releases
Atlanta Based Rapper Ludacris Goes on Prom Date (6/4/04)
The Ludacris Foundation, Disturbing Tha Peace, Def Jam South and BET team to make dream of 17-year-old Mass. high school senior with CP come true
Springfield, Mass., June 4, 2004—For every high school senior, prom night is one of the biggest events of the year, second only to graduation itself. Every girl wants the most stunning dress, and of course, the hottest date. 17-year–old Ruje’anne Duplessis is no different from any of her classmates, except for the fact that she uses a wheelchair to get around. The Central High School senior was the envy of her prom because she arrived on the arm of the hottest date of all—renowned hip-hop artist Ludacris.
One of the biggest names in the recording industry arrived in Springfield, Massachusetts, on June 3rd to escort the senior from Central High School to her prom held at Chez Joseph. Ms. Duplessis is a huge fan of the Atlanta-based rapper. She owns all of his CDs, but was never able to attend any of his concerts because many venues are not accessible for people with disabilities—Ms. Duplessis was born with spastic Cerebral Palsy. So the star came to her.
According to United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) about 764,000 people have cerebral palsy in the United States, and about 9,500 infants and pre-school age children are diagnosed with the condition each year. With great personal determination and the help of organizations like the Ludacris Foundation and UCP, Americans like Ruje’anne Duplessis live without limits.
This is not the first time Ludacris has been there in support of his fans. His foundation’s "Stand Up Initiative" provides gifts, outings, and surprise visits to children and adults living with disabilities. Ms. Roberta Shields, president of the Ludacris Foundation, receives thousands of requests from across the country every year. However, it was Ms. Duplessis’ letter that stood out. "This initiative was developed to encourage people of all ages to Stand-up no matter what and live life to the fullest," said Ludacris.
"When I think about our goal for the ‘Stand Up Initiative’ I believe that Ruje’anne’s letter embodies our intent for the program. Ruje’anne stands up in the face of adversity…she stands tall in a world of challenges," remarked Ms. Shields.
Ms. Duplessis remarked in her letter that "she wanted to enjoy her prom night like all the rest of her friends with dates." Not only did she have a date; she had the best date of the prom. Ruje’anne will godown in Central High School history as "the girl who took Ludacris to the prom." "You've got to give back to the community," Ludacris says. "I know I've got the ears of young people and they need to know about the importance of getting an education, the importance of setting goals and reaching for your dreams." Ludacris and his foundation helped to make one 17-year-old’s prom a night she will never forget.
About the Ludacris Foundation
The Ludacris Foundation is a non-profit organization created to help young people achieve their dreams through the encouragement of "Principles of Success." We aim to show young people in America they are the builders of their future. We primarily use music and the arts to connect with young people by listening to their views, issues, and challenges. Our efforts reach youth at all age levels.
Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, William Engram, and Chaka Zulu are the inspiration for the development of The Ludacris Foundation. These men have a deep-rooted tradition of Community Service that has only broadened with their celebrity status. The Ludacris Foundation was formally established in December of 2001 to sustain their commitment to make a difference in the lives of youth. For more information, visit the Ludacris Foundation Web site.
About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy is one of the nation’s leading organizations serving and advocating for the more than 54 million Americans with disabilities. Most of our consumers are people with disabilities other than cerebral palsy and their families. Through its nationwide network, United Cerebral Palsy offers services such as job training and placement, physical therapy, individual and family support, early intervention, social and recreation programs, community living, state and local referrals, and instruction on how to use technology to perform everyday tasks. For more information, call (800) 872-5827.