Press Releases: 1993 Releases

Comedian Brings Laughter to UCPA Conference

UCPA Annual Conference and Meeting: Celebration of Leadership

Washington, DC, February 25, 1993—When comedian Chris "Crazy Legs" Fonseca is asked how he got cerebral palsy, he tells people he was in a "'wicked game of Twister."

Fonseca, who bases his humor on off beat observations about cerebral palsy, is the featured entertainer during United Cerebral Palsy Associations' Annual Conference Awards Luncheon on Friday, May 1, 1993, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel at Mark Center, Alexandria, Virginia.

"I didn't get into comedy to wave any sort of flag about what [disabled] people can do," explains Fonseca. "'But it is part of what makes me unique, so I do take that into consideration and try to promote a positive image."

Despite family and career hardships, Fonseca has become a professional sitdown comic. He has appeared on Entertainment Tonight and opened shows for Roseanne Arnold, Jerry Seinfeld and Paula Poundstone at comedy clubs like the Improv (Dallas, Washington, DC), and The Icehouse (Pasadena, CA). In addition to writing his own material, he has written for Jay Leno and Rosie O'Donnell (A League of Their Own).

For the last four years, Fonseca has performed at the Handicap Ski Association's Benefit in Montana hosted by former President Jimmy Carter. Between his performances on the road, he finds the time to entertain at fund raising events for disability organizations and other nonprofit groups.

Fonseca says that his humor helps people to understand. "Being able to show people that underneath it all, I'm just a person, like they are, really helps," he said.

Fonseca's performance is part of UCPA's four day annual conference held in Washington, DC. The conference focuses on public policy issues and includes a day on the Hill where the participants will talk to their congressional representatives about issues affecting people with disabilities.

Press registration is complimentary. Working press should contact Sheri L. Singer, UCPA Communications Manager at 202/842 1168. To register for the conference, contact Sophie Dunbar Amer, UCPA, 1522 K St. NW, Suite 1112, Washington, DC 20005; Phone: 202/842 1266; Fax: 202/842 3519.

UCPA is a nonprofit, charitable organization. The national association and its network of 160 affiliates work to enhance the quality of life for persons with cerebral palsy and other disabilities by meeting their service needs and assisting their families.

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