Sample Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 31, 2008

Unique Online Dating Site Celebrates First Marriage
Site Makes Dreams Come True For Persons with Disabilities

Contact: Louise Maxwell, (519) 601-0123, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

London, ON -- Finding someone special to live 'happily ever after' with is a goal most of us wish to achieve in our lifetime. But what if you are physically or medically disabled? Then the dream of finding true love can seem impossible to attain. Obstacles such as isolation, mobility issues, low self-esteem and social discrimination can prevent people with disabilities from making romantic connections. Rejected and marginalized, many just give up, feeling that the odds of finding 'that special someone' are just too slim.

But recently, two people managed to beat those odds. Barbara and Sid* both have physical disabilities. Barbara has Multiple Sclerosis, (she uses a scooter and a walker to transport herself about) while Sid is dealing with a chronic heart condition. Barbara originates from Ontario, Canada, while Sid is from Indiana, in the United States. Yet the two met and were married recently in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee.

So how did the couple come together despite all their obstacles? They met at Soulful Encounters, a unique online dating site for people with disabilities. The couple's marriage is a landmark event - it is the first marriage to happen between people who met on the site.

Says the newlywed Barbara: "I finally have the family I have always craved. I am so grateful for Soulful Encounters. Without it, what medium would God have used to bring Sid and I together?"

Soulful Encounters administrator Louise Maxwell is also thrilled with the event: "I am so pleased for the two of them. For years it has been my goal to facilitate this type of opportunity for people who are disabled. I hope that there will be many more marriages to follow."

Maxwell has long had a vision of making dreams come true for people with disabilities. During her previous career managing medical offices, Maxwell recognized the loneliness that punctuated the lives of many of the patients she met. So she set out to do something about it. In 2007, she created Soulful Encounters - an online networking site for the medically disabled and differently-abled. Says Maxwell, "It's a community, a place where friendships begin for people who are typically overlooked or forgotten."

The site was immediately successful - in one short year it attracted close to 2000 members from all over North America, with membership still increasing.

However, Soulful Encounters is not just your average networking site. It is also a major lifeline and support system for persons with disabilities. Along with the usual profiles, chat rooms and forum features, the site has a resident pharmacist, social worker, psychologist, and pastor available to answer questions or offer counseling. As well, Maxwell takes a very "hands on" approach to her site, working hard to keep the community clean, wholesome and free from scammers. Disabled herself after a series of failed back surgeries, Maxwell's work is fueled by empathy and understanding. She personally answers all E-mail from members and is always willing to lend an ear to someone in trouble. Daily, she provides compassionate support, practical advice or a cheery telephone call of encouragement to those who are feeling down. Often, she helps to find food, shelter and medicine for those who are in dire straits.

But for today, Maxwell is celebrating. The marriage of Barbara and Sid was a significant victory - not only for the couple themselves but for all persons with disabilities. As Maxwell notes: "Barbara and Sid's marriage has sparked the hopes and dreams of other members on the site. Their story proves that no matter how difficult the circumstances, marriage is still an achievable goal for people with disabilities."

Newlyweds Barbara and Sid agree, adding that Soulful Encounters was the doorway to a whole new life for them. When asked if she thinks Soulful Encounters could help other people with disabilities find love and marriage too, Barbara nods confidently and smiles, stating: "Fairy tales can come true if you keep the faith..."

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For further information, visit the Soulful Encounters website at www.soulfulencounters.com or call Louise Maxwell at (519) 601-0123.
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

*Names have been changed in order to protect the privacy of the couple

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