FIVE AMPUTEES SURPRISED WITH LIFE-CHANGING ÖSSUR RUNNING PROSTHETICS AS GRANTS FROM CHALLENGED ATHLETES FOUNDATION (CAF)
CAF & Össur orchestrate memorable grant-giving moments with celebrities and professional athletes to continue to help people with limb loss pursue an active lifestyle
San Diego, CA, Oct. 05, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Through a 20-year partnership, CAF and Össur have given the gift of mobility to thousands of amputees around the world. Through several surprise moments with high-profile celebrities and professional athletes, there are five new grant recipients who received Össur running prosthetics. Surprise moments included MLB’s Eric Byrnes and Kevin Millar, NFL’s Luke Kuechly, Professional Supercross Riders and Fitness Supermodel-amputee Paola Antonini.
“For athletes with limb loss, participation in sports is not always possible due to the high cost of adaptive sports equipment not covered by medical insurance,” said Travis Ricks, Programs Director for CAF and Ambassador for Össur. “Our long-standing partnership between CAF and Össur has allowed individuals to regain their independence using running prosthetics, connecting with the community and getting instructional support for running and mobility.”
Stories of the week:
· *MLB’s legendary hosts Eric Byrnes & Kevin Millar* surprise quadruple amputee & loyal Yankees fan, Landis Sims (14 years old) with a brand-new pair of Össur running legs.
· Renowned Brazilian model, dancer, social media influencer and amputee, *Paola Antonini,* surprises 11-year old Shweta Broberg with a running leg. Shweta and Paola share a passion for dance and changing perceptions of those with limb loss.
· Seven-time pro bowl linebacker and former *Carolina Panther, Luke Kuechly *surprises 53-year old youth football coach, Darren Stroman with a new running leg.
· *Professional Supercross and Motocross racers and 100% brand ambassadors: Aaron Plessinger, Marvin Musquin and Cooper Webb* surprise 32-year old, Greg Griffin with sports prosthetic leg. Greg lost his leg in a motorcycle accident and dreams of riding again someday.
· Certified Prosthetist, *Kimmie Champion* in Portland, Oregon, received a surprise running leg with a compilation video of her patients’ words of appreciation.
CAF’s mission, to provide opportunities and support to people with physical challenges aligns with Össur’s mission to provide the latest technology in prosthetics needed to live a life without limitations. Today, more than 2 million amputees living in the US have benefitted from the partnership.
Recent Grant-A-Day Recipient Stories:
Quadruple Amputee Surprised by MLB Legends
It’s been 3 years since Landis Sims, a 14-year old quadruple amputee and baseball player, was featured on the MLB Network, threw out the first pitch at a Yankee game and represented the Yankees in the MLB Draft. Landis’ passion for baseball has been evident since age 3 and he has continued to achieve his dream of making his high school baseball team. In a recent Zoom reunion, MLB hosts *Eric Byrnes* and *Kevin Millar*, presented Landis with a brand-new pair of Össur running legs on behalf of CAF and David Rotter Prosthetics. Watch Landis Sims Promo of Grant Give.
Landis was born limb deficient, missing his hands and lower legs and quickly showed those around him that he was a determined and capable child. No “missing” part was going to hold him back. He has continued to participate with his peers in baseball and basketball through hard work, determination, and support of organizations like CAF.
World Famous Supermodel-Amputee Surprises Teen Amputee With New Leg
Eleven-year-old Shweta Broberg, is an above knee amputee from Denver Colorado who assumed she was attending another appointment at RISE Prosthetics & Orthotics. She was surprised when Össur Ambassador and amputee model *Paola Antonini* “Zoomed in” to presented her with a CAF grant for an Össur running leg similar to hers. Shweta loves anything outdoors, skiing and dancing and has been inspired by Paola’s journey when she lost her leg several years ago. Watch Schweta's Surprise Moment
Paola was the tragic victim of a drunk driver in 2014. Not feeling limited by her injuries, she proudly shared a modeling photo that highlighted her amputated leg.