Each year 14 teenage
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) amputee patients travel amputee patients travel to Winter Park to ski at the renowned National Sports Center for the Disabled. This marks the 32nd year teens with amputations will participate in an all-expense-paid trip, which includes a ski program designed specifically for them.
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of many organizations American supports through the
American Airlines Kids in Need program – a program that provides support for children and their families all over the world, as well as for organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with medical, educational and social service needs.
In a continuing effort to improve the lives of their patients, TSRHC recognizes that snow skiing is well suited for amputees, and with special equipment they can often excel at the sport. Winter Park’s National Sports Center for the Disabled is one of the world’s largest outdoor therapeutic recreation agencies. Skiing creates a focus for the trip, but the personal growth and challenges the teens overcome are often more life-changing than the actual accomplishment of skiing. The goal of the trip is to foster a sense of self-confidence, independence and discovery.
An official sponsor of the trip for the 8th year, American provides flights for the teens, medical staff and chaperones, who will depart Feb. 11 from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and fly to Denver International Airport. A huge send-off party for the patients and their families, hosted by American’s Admirals Club, members of American’s Abilities Employee Resource Group and other employee volunteers, is planned in the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Yandry Center,along with the traditional salute to their aircraft with a water-cannon “shower of affection” to send them on their way. Denver airport volunteers and the Admirals Club will greet the group and assist with transfer to ground transportation.
Miles for Kids in Need is one way members of American’s AAdvantage® frequent traveler program may contribute to this important mission by donating their unused miles.
Learn more about donating your unused miles to
Miles For Kids In Need.