Through a partnership with the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) and Össur, Reykjavik, Iceland, five grant recipients received running prostheses this week, including Kimberley “Kimmie” Champion, CPO. As part of the surprise gift, Champion, a clinician at Eastside Orthotics Prosthetics, Portland, Oregon, received videos of appreciation from several of her patients to thank her for her overall kindness and care. As well as being a runner, Champion won a gold medal at the 2015 Parapan American Games as a member of Team USA Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team.
CAF and Össur regularly orchestrate memorable grant-giving moments with celebrities and professional athletes to help people with limb loss pursue an active lifestyle. Four other athletes were also surprised with prostheses the same day as Champion.
MLB hosts Eric Byrnes and Kevin Millar surprised 14-year-old New York Yankees fan Landis Sims, who has quadruple amputations, with a pair of running legs. Paola Antonini, Brazilian model, dancer, social media influencer, and amputee, surprised 11-year old Shweta Broberg with a running leg. Seven-time pro bowl linebacker and former Carolina Panther Luke Kuechly surprised 53-year old youth football coach Darren Stroman with a new running leg. Professional Supercross and Motocross racers and brand ambassadors Aaron Plessinger, Marvin Musquin, and Cooper Webb surprised 32-year old Greg Griffin with a sports prosthetic leg.
To see the messages of gratitude from Champion’s patients, visit the CAF video link.
