American Airlines and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children Host Annual Amputee Ski Trip

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Airlines and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children are teaming up once again to send 14 teen-aged amputee patients on an expenses-paid ski trip tailored just for them. The group is headed to Winter Park, Colo., for the 29th Annual Amputee Ski Trip, which departs Monday, Feb. 1 from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and returns Saturday, Feb. 6.

Dallas-based Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, one of the nation's leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions, recognizes that snow skiing is well-suited for amputees. With special equipment, patients often excel at the sport and, in some cases, become competitive skiers. The teens will ski at Winter Park's renowned National Sports Center for the Disabled, one of the largest outdoor therapeutic recreation agencies in the world.

For the fifth consecutive year, American Airlines, an official sponsor of the trip and a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, is providing air travel for the patients, medical staff and chaperones for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

American also is hosting a send-off party for the patients and their families at 11 a.m. at its Admirals Club lounge in Terminal D at DFW before departing from a decorated gate. The celebration will include refreshments and remarks by representatives from American Airlines and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, as well as a special weather report and water-cannon "shower of affection" to salute the aircraft and it passengers.

"This annual trip creates lasting memories for the patients and provides them a chance to experience a sports activity that many children take for granted," said Nancy Knipp, American's President - Admirals Club. "Each year, our employees look forward to being a part of this wonderful program that helps these teens overcome obstacles while making new friends and proving that where there's a will, there's a way."

The trip will be a fun break from the challenges they experience in their daily lives. For returning attendees, it is an opportunity to reconnect with friends made during previous trips, and for everyone, it's an adventure and experience that will last a lifetime.

"The annual amputee ski trip is a way for our patients to be a part of a rewarding experience while developing a new sense of independence through skiing," said Stephanie Brigger, Vice President of Development at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. "We are extremely honored that, for the fifth year, American Airlines will graciously provide airfare, allowing our patients to be a part of something truly life-changing."

About Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation's leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions, certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. There is no charge to patient families for treatment at the hospital, and admission is open to Texas children from birth up to 18 years of age. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call (214) 559-5000 or (800) 421-1121 or visit www.tsrhc.org.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection® serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in more than 130 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)

SOURCE American Airlines