Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Michael Naranjo Art Exhibit
Sponsored by BAVF and Pfizer
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NEW YORK, Sept. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Works of art created by Michael A. Naranjo, a Vietnam veteran blinded during combat, were unveiled today at an exhibit sponsored by Pfizer Inc and the Blinded American Veterans Foundation (BAVF). Mr. Naranjo's work is known in the United States and around the world and can be found in major collections, including the Vatican and the White House.

"As a company dedicated to improving lives, Pfizer is very proud to partner with the BAVF to help extend the reach of Michael Naranjo's inspiring works of art,'' said Pfizer vice president William E. Pelton, a Vietnam veteran. Mr. Naranjo's work inaugurates Pfizer's newest exhibition space at its world headquarters in New York.

Mr. Naranjo has established an international reputation as "the artist who sees with his hands.'' Finding that he was often denied permission to touch sculpted works of art in many public institutions, the artist began a personal crusade to make his own sculpture accessible to all. "Disabilities should not prevent anyone from reaching their potential, as I have,'' said Mr. Naranjo.

Pfizer's history of supporting U.S. troops began in World War II, when the company supplied 90 percent of the penicillin that went ashore on D-Day and more than half the penicillin that was used during the war. The company supports the Blinded American Veterans Foundation through financial grants, and in 1999, Pfizer received the George Alexander Corporate Volunteer Award in recognition of its continued support.

In 1991, Mr. Naranjo had his first "all touch'' show at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Most recently, Mr. Naranjo was named recipient of the National Commander's Award and named "Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year'' by the Disabled American Veterans Foundation. This year, his work will be included as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs VA Millennium Event in Washington, D.C.

The BAVF assists blinded and sensory-disabled veterans in attaining their full potential through research, rehabilitation, and re-employment. It offers employment networking and rehabilitation resource counseling and provides funding for rehabilitation centers. Other programs include a speakers bureau and placement service and compilation of related statistics. It also conducts research, educational, and charitable programs.

Pfizer is a research-based global pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures and markets innovative medicines for humans and animals. The company reported revenues of more than $13.5 billion in 1998. In 1999, its 150th anniversary, Pfizer expects to spend $2.8 billion on research and development.

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