FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Melanie Staten, Public Affairs Manager
888/267-5669, ext. 8144
amputee-coalition.org
press@amputee-coalition.org
The Board of Certification/Accreditation, International Becomes Amputee Coalition’s Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp Sponsor
Knoxville, TN, February 17, 2011 – The Amputee Coalition is proud to recognize the support of the Board of Certification/Accreditation International (BOC) as a Cobble Stone Sponsor of the Amputee Coalition’s Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp for 2011. The Cobble Stone sponsorship represents a financial commitment of $5,000 to the camp for its programs and activities. The youth camp is a 5-day traditional summer camp experience for children ages 10-17 who have lost an arm or leg or were born with limb differences.
“BOC has been a corporate member with the Amputee Coalition since 2003 and we are grateful for their increased support of our youth camp. This sponsorship will help us to reach our goal of bringing 100 youth to the camp this July,” said Kendra Calhoun, Amputee Coalition president and CEO. “This camp continues to provide opportunities for campers to meet other young amputees and learn that they are not alone.”
Since 1984, the Board of Certification/Accreditation, International (BOC) has provided credentials demonstrating the competence and proficiency of O&P professionals. BOC offers NCCA-accredited certification programs in five disciplines: orthotics, prosthetics, pedorthics, orthotic fitting, and mastectomy fitting. BOC’s facility accreditation program partners with Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetic and Orthotic suppliers (DMEPOS) to meet standards set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and improve business practices.
“The youth camp gives youth with limb loss and difference a chance to have fun and learn from each other. We are excited to increase our support of the camp through this sponsorship,” said Claudia Zacharias, President & CEO for BOC. “We know this camp helps youth who attend improve their self-esteem and confidence and we are glad we can help send more youth in 2011.”
Here are some interesting facts about children with limb loss/limb difference in the United States:
- More than 1,000 children are born with limb differences each year.
- One-third of traumatic amputations occur in children age 18 and under.
- On average, more than 600 children lose a limb because of lawn mower accidents each year.
- Other main causes of amputation in children include cancer, other diseases and infection.
- Before attending the Amputee Coalition’s Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp, many of our campers have never met another person with limb loss or limb difference.
For more information about BOC and its products and services, please visit bocusa.org.
About the Amputee Coalition
The Amputee Coalition is the national non-profit organization serving more than 2 million people with limb loss and more than 28 million people at risk for amputation. This year, the Amputee Coalition is proudly celebrating 25 years of service.
For more information: www.amputee-coalition.org or call 888/267-5669.