American Airlines, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital For Children Facilitate Weeklong Ski Adventure And Life-Changing Experiences

A group of 14 teenage amputee patients from Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) headed for the slopes of Colorado recently for an all-expense paid ski adventure at Winter Park's National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD), one of the world's largest outdoor therapeutic recreational facilities. The group flew on American Airlines for the 34th annual Amputee Ski Trip, which is also supported by the hospital's generous donors.

American Airlines is an official sponsor of the trip, and this is the tenth year that it has provided air travel for the teens, TSRHC medical staff and chaperones.

"A primary focus for American Airlines is supporting organizations that matter to our employees and make a difference in our communities, such as Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children," said Cynthia Barnes, American's director – Community Relations. "Through our Kids in Need program, we're proud to provide air transportation for these inspiring young people to experience the excitement of independence, as well as the fun and camaraderie of forming new friendships."

Founded in 1989, the American Airlines Miles for Kids in Need program offers members of the American Airlines AAdvantage loyalty program the opportunity to donate their unused AAdvantage miles to help provide air travel for children and their families through partnerships with some of the world's foremost entities dedicated to caring for children. The American Airlines Kids in Need program supports numerous organizations, including Dana Farber Cancer Institute, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, the Something mAAgic Foundation and Snowball Express.

Dallas-based Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, one of the nation's leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions, encourages its patients to challenge themselves during this special ski experience.

"The annual ski trip for adolescents with amputations or missing limbs is an extraordinary experience which is transformational for both the staff and the kids. Many of the patients have not known another person with a missing limb and have been very shy about their difference," said Dr. Tony Herring, TSRHC chief of staff emeritus. "During the trip, being together for six days, hopping to the hot tub, skiing on one ski, dancing and performing in the condo give them a new feeling of freedom and acceptance, which they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. We as staff learn what the real-life challenges are for these individuals, and we come home with a host of new ideas for making their daily lives better."American Airlines employees, including the Abilities EBRG, are hosting a special send-off party for the teenagers and their families in Terminal D at DFW Airport. Festivities will include refreshments provided by the Admirals Club and brief welcoming remarks from representatives of American Airlines and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

FMI: www.AA.com/kids, www.tsrhc.org