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| For Immediate Release |
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| First Amputee Fashion Show Presented By Freedom Innovations An Overwhelming Success |
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Irvine, Calif. (September 01, 2004) - IRVINE, CA Sep. 1, 2004 - Freedom Innovations, designer and manufacturer of advanced-technology, carbon fiber prosthetic feet, presented the Runway Fashion Show, the first show of its kind to exclusively feature amputee models, at the Amputee Coalition of America National Convention in early August. This landmark event, at the Wild Horse Saloon in Nashville, TN, was one of the highlights and most talked about attractions of the Amputee Coalition of America's (ACA) 2004 Annual Educational Conference & Exposition.
"According to the feedback we have received from participants and attendees of the ACA Conference, the Runway Fashion Show was an extraordinary success in every aspect," said Freedom Innovations President and Chief Operating Officer and member of the ACA Board of Directors Richard Myers. "The amputees who participated in the show have shared how they were able to motivate themselves and the audience with their energy and charisma, and how it was truly inspiring and exciting for everyone involved."
Eighteen amputees took a turn on the catwalk during the show, wearing clothing and accessories provided exclusively by Nashville-based Goody's Family Clothing. The "models" represented lower and upper-limb amputees from every walk of life, including those who have lost limbs due to various ailments, those born with defects, victims of accidents, and even voluntary amputation. All of the amputees who participated in the Runway Fashion Show signed up through the Freedom Innovations Web site, or were volunteered by a number of the prosthetic companies involved in the show - including Freedom Innovations. ACA also provided some models, including ACA President and CEO Paddy Rossback, two board members and two staff members, to show their support of the show.
"The fashion show was an unqualified success," said Rossbach. "It appears to have touched a chord in everyone, and boosted the self-esteem of all of the participants and many of the attendees. You never know what you can do until you try, and now we all know that we can face everyone with our heads held high."
"Freedom Innovations should be very proud of the hard work and support that went into the accomplishment of the Fashion Show at this years' ACA Conference," said ACA Regional Representative John Vacca. "It will be something that people will remember and be talking about for a long time to come. My hat is off to Freedom. YEE-HA!"
The fashion show was applauded by an audience of more than xxx attendees of the ACA National Convention. Following the show, a 15-year anniversary cake was presented to the ACA staff and board, and then everyone stayed at the Wild Horse Saloon late into the night dancing and catching up with old - and new - friends. Freedom Innovations Director of New Business Development and Clinical Services Kurt Collier was in the audience at the fashion show and stated, "The fashion show brought the energy level in the hall up at least three notches, and at the conclusion of the show the energy in the building never came back down. The show was the key catalyst to a wonderful night of celebration."
Most importantly to Freedom Innovations and the ACA, the Runway Fashion Show provided inspiration and motivation to the people involved and everyone watching. According to fashion show participant and Director of Freedom Innovations' Amputee Advocate program Ron Harding, "I think that the Runway show was a five-star event. This is what Freedom Innovations is about: fulfilling the physical and emotional needs of amputees."
"I can not tell you what the Runway Fashion Show did for my spirits," said fashion show participant Leslie Smith, a lower-limb below-knee amputee and Public Relations representative for the USO. "I am more motivated than ever to make a difference, and it is a great feeling! I have not worn anything short since my amputation two years ago, and it did me a world of good to show it off - and I hope to do it again!"
"The entire ACA convention was very inspiring for me," said fashion show participant Amy Purdy, a bilateral below-knee amputee, professional actress and Freedom Innovations Amputee Advocate. "It was interesting to meet and be surrounded by people who have such amazing stories and lives. Freedom Innovations was awesome for creating the fashion show, I think that it added a fun, playful element to the week."
The ACA Annual Conference unites amputees, their peers, healthcare and other industry professionals to interface, share expertise, keep abreast of new technologies, products and services, and find solutions to common problems. For more information on the ACA and next year's conference in Dallas, TX, please visit www.amputee-coalition.org.
About Freedom Innovations
Founded in 2002, Freedom Innovations designs, manufactures, distributes and markets advanced technology prosthetics to provide amputees with feet and other components that create "a revolution in motion and freedom of activity." Based in Irvine, CA, the Freedom and Revolution Series of lower-limb prosthetics are distributed throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia. The Evolution SP Liners are distributed throughout North America. More information is available by calling toll-free (888) 818-6777 or (949) 672-0032, or by visiting the Web site at www.freedom-innovations.com. |
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