For 15 years, Ossur has proudly partnered with the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), an organization that embodies our company’s mission of helping amputees of all ages to live a Life without Limitations. CAF provides the foundation from which amputees can not only pursue their dreams but also gives them the exhilarating freedom to feel and be fit, regardless of their situation or activity level.
Working together with CAF gives us an unmatched opportunity to meaningfully capture the drive to overcome a challenge from the moment it is born, and then power it with our product, and CAF’s programs, inspiration and mentorship. It takes a team of committed people with a common vision to make the greatest dreams come true, but by believing in each other and our shared aspirations, miracles happen, lives are changed, and the strength of the human spirit is renewed.
Ossur and CAF work hand-in-hand to grow the organization and the number of people who benefit from its outstanding programs through:
Access for Athletes - The grant distribution program at CAF has always been the cornerstone of what makes the organization unique. For many, the biggest obstacle to participation can simply be the equipment or some funding to get started. Since the beginning, Ossur has provided advanced prosthetics that make it possible for amputees to practice their sport and become fit. Oftentimes, prosthetics used for sport are not covered by insurance and for some, that makes the difference between being able to exercise or not. Having the right equipment can be truly enabling and is often a life-changing experience, transforming amputees for the better.
Catch a Rising Star – Many amputees get their first encouragement and tools to become athletic thanks to CAF. This unique program imparts mentoring and fitness training to people with disabilities, providing them with those first critical tips on how to become active and then how to advance their techniques to achieve an even greater level of success. Ossur fervently supports this program because our research and work has proven time and again how vitally important it is for amputees of all ages and abilities to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle after rehabilitation.
Operation Rebound – This program lays the groundwork for Ossur - through CAF - to provide clinics and educational programs at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical Center, Balboa Naval Hospital and the Veterans Administration; thus positively influencing disabled war vets by providing them with advanced fitness opportunities. Ossur also instructs rehabilitation professionals on new techniques that advance their knowledge on how to care for this population.
The San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC) - As a Platinum sponsor of this extraordinary event, Ossur encourages its employees to bring family members and friends, thus expanding the network of caring and personally involved people who are there to cheer and support all of the participants as they strive to reach their goals. Ossur employees participate on relay teams, raise funds and volunteer at the aid stations, which makes for an incredible experience that stays with them throughout the year as they work to better the lives of amputees.
It is an important part of Ossur’s culture to do everything within our power to ensure that patients and their families are able to pursue active and productive lives beyond amputation. We are proud to offer a complete product line that enables amputees to pursue their dreams and live out their potential unhindered. Our 15 years of experience with CAF have validated our belief that this organization, like no other, takes seemingly impossible goals and makes them attainable in intelligent and demonstrable ways.
Tabi King
Director of Marketing – Prosthetics
Ossur Americas |
