APS Wireless, Nextel Go to Bat Against Lou Gehrig's Disease; Will Make Donation To ALS For Each Phone Bought in April

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APS Wireless, Nextel Go to Bat Against Lou Gehrig's Disease; Will Make Donation To ALS For Each Phone Bought in April


BENSALEM, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 27, 2002--APS Wireless Communications, one of the area's largest full service wireless retailers, and Nextel Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTL) are teaming up to go to bat for the ALS Association in the fight against Lou Gehrig's disease.

During the month of April, APS Wireless will donate $5 to the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the ALS Association for every unit sold at its nine locations throughout Southeastern and Central Pennsylvania and Delaware. In addition, Nextel will match the gift by contributing an additional $5 to ALS for each Nextel wireless phone purchased at an APS Wireless store during the month-long fundraiser.

The two companies expect to raise more than $10,000 for research and patient services through the promotion. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal neuromuscular disease that can affect anyone, but usually strikes people between the ages of 35 and 70.

ALS is commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease in memory of the Iron Horse of baseball, who played 2,130 consecutive games for the New York Yankees before succumbing to the disease in 1941. It is characterized by the degeneration of a select group of nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord, which leads to progressive paralysis of the muscles.

An authorized Nextel dealer with almost 20 years of industry experience, APS Wireless operates stores in West Chester, Media, Exton, Pottstown, Harrisburg, York and Stanton, De. A tenth location will soon open in Willow Grove.

"The generosity displayed by both organizations will significantly boost our efforts to build awareness and raise funds so that we may continue to provide unique and incomparable programs to ALS patients and their loved ones," noted Ellyn C. Phillips, president of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter. "The special offer enables consumers to purchase a versatile communications tool at a very attractive price, while helping to improve the quality of life among those afflicted with ALS."

The Association is the only national not-for-profit voluntary health organization dedicated solely to ALS research and the needs of ALS patients, their families and caregivers. One of the most active and successful ALS chapters in the country, the local branch has been the official charity of the Philadelphia Phillies since 1984.

Based in Reston, Va. with local headquarters in Bensalem, Bucks County, Nextel is a leading provider of fully integrated wireless communications services. The company has built the largest guaranteed all-digital wireless network in the United States, covering thousands of communities nationwide. Nextel and Nextel Partners, Inc. currently serve 197 of the top 200 U.S. markets.

Through recent market launches, Nextel and Nextel Partners service is available today in areas of the U.S. where approximately 230 million people live or work. In addition, through NII Holdings, Inc., Nextel has wireless operations and investments primarily in selected Latin American markets. Visit Nextel at www.nextel.com.