The Fellowship Selection Committee of the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP) selected Elijah Brummond as the 2026 George and Dena Breece Fellow. During the Fellowship, scheduled for June 1-August 7, Brummond will be based in Washington DC and travel throughout the country to get firsthand experience of governmental relations, clinical care, and advocacy at the federal and state levels.
“Throughout the competitive selection process, Elijah was able to separate himself from a strong field of candidates,” said Nate Capa, CP, NAAOP president. “As the ninth Breece Fellow, we are excited to see how he embodies the spirit of the Fellowship and uses this opportunity to shape his future in advocacy and governmental affairs.”
Brummond, who has congenital transtibial limb loss, is a sophomore at Drake University studying business law. He began to participate in governmental affairs at the age of seven, through his work with Wiggle Your Toes and the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association Policy Forum.
In 2019, Brummond served as the Gillette Children’s Hospital Miracle Network Champion, speaking with sponsors about Gillette’s mission to serve children recovering from limb loss and other O&P needs. His experience as a prosthesis user has fueled his interest in advancing O&P care.
