OPGA and Össur Americas announced the recipients of two O&P grants. Avery-Claire Littleton has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Russell Walker CP, LP Emerging Leader Grant, and Nicole Bakovich has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Todd Eagen Advocacy in Action Memorial Grant.
“We are excited to announce Avery-Claire and Nicole as the recipients of these two grants that will help them grow their careers and contribute to the field of O&P,” said Nikki Grace, director of OPGA. “In partnership with Össur, we look forward to watching Avery-Claire and Nicole advance the O&P profession as the next generation of O&P leaders in their journey to enhance mobility and improve lives.”
Both annual grants are designed to provide funding to O&P residents and certified orthotists or prosthetists that will allow them to attend and participate in two nonclinical events in the O&P profession: an advocacy event and the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) Triathlon Challenge.
“Receiving the Russell Walker Emerging Leader Grant is an incredible honor that affirms my commitment to advocacy and inclusion in the O&P field. It’s a reminder that the work I’m doing matters,” said Littleton. “This grant gives me the chance to keep showing up for the people who inspire me every day, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to grow as a leader in this field.”
“I am truly honored to be attending the events commemorating Todd Eagen and Russell Walker—two individuals whose compassion and advocacy clearly left a lasting legacy in the O&P profession,” said Bakovich. “Legislation changes are needed to provide the highest quality of care for our patients, and I am grateful to be a part of that. I’m beyond excited to be there to support, cheer on, and celebrate these incredible individuals’ accomplishments at the CAF Triathlon.”
