When you hear the word mobility, you might think about walking across a room or getting through your daily routine. But for the people who partner with the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) and Össur, mobility means so much more. It’s about reclaiming independence, pushing physical limits, and finding joy in movement — whatever that looks like for each individual. 

For nearly 20 years, Össur, a global leader in prosthetic technology, has partnered with CAF to help athletes with limb loss and limb differences realize their goals. Their combined mission is clear: to provide the tools, support, and confidence that enable people to define and achieve their own vision of mobility — whether it’s running a race, playing with their kids, or simply feeling free again. 

The Technology and the People Behind It 

Össur is a pioneer in non-invasive orthopedics, focused on developing prosthetics and supports that improve quality of life. But this partnership is about more than just cutting-edge technology. It’s about the athletes, their stories, and the journey back to activity and independence. 

Every year, Össur and CAF co-host Running and Mobility Clinics across the country. These clinics bring together prosthetists, physical therapists, and expert coaches who specialize in gait and mobility training. Attendees receive hands-on support and guidance to make the most of their prosthetics and push past physical and mental barriers. 

Dr. Bob Gailey, a gait-training expert and longtime Össur coach, captures it best: “What we see again and again is that athletes gain more than just physical ability — they find a sense of community, pride, and motivation. That kind of transformation is what keeps this partnership going strong.” 

Stories of Strength and Resilience 

Take Bob O’Dell, for example. Now 71 years old, Bob was a lifelong athlete who loved basketball, track, and softball before a workplace accident led to a below-the-knee amputation. For years after, golf became his outlet, but he missed the thrill of running and competing. After receiving an Össur Flex-Run prosthetic foot through a CAF grant, Bob got back on the field. He’s not just running — he’s redefining what active aging means, planning to keep moving as long as he can. Bob’s story is a testament to the partnership’s impact, proving it’s never too late to reclaim mobility. 

On the other side of the age spectrum is Samara Mejia, a teenager whose mobility was severely limited by chronic ankle pain. After her amputation in 2018, attending the Össur and CAF Mobility Clinic at Oracle Park was life-changing. There, Samara connected with peers, met inspiring athletes, and gained the skills to get active again. She now runs track and has completed several 5K races. Beyond sports, Samara’s ambition to become a prosthetist herself highlights how deeply the partnership inspires individuals to not only heal but also give back. 

A Partnership That Keeps Giving 

Since the partnership began, Össur has donated more than 1,000 prosthetic running feet and knees to CAF athletes, helping thousands of people across all ages and backgrounds. The clinics have welcomed over 2,650 attendees, providing education, hands-on support, and a chance to connect with others who understand the challenges and triumphs of limb loss. 

Each year, hundreds of athletes receive grants for advanced prosthetics designed to meet their specific sports and mobility needs. These are more than just devices — they’re tools that open doors to new possibilities. 

More Than Mobility — It’s Empowerment 

At its core, this partnership is about empowerment. It’s about showing people with limb differences that their physical challenges don’t define them or limit what they can do. With expert care, cutting-edge technology, and a supportive community, the Össur and CAF collaboration continues to rewrite the story of what’s possible.