Dallas, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/27/2012 -- TSRHC and American Airlines will host a send-off party celebrating the 31st Annual Amputee Ski Trip to Winter Park, Colo., where 14 teenage patients from TSRHC will learn to ski. The send-off party will include a weather report and water cannon “shower of affection” arranged by American Airlines. New to this year’s send-off party, American Airlines will provide games and activities with ski-themed prizes for the patients to enjoy.

In a continuing effort to improve the lives of patients, TSRHC recognized that snow skiing is well suited for amputees, and with special equipment they often excel at the sport. American Airlines will provide air transportation for the patients for the seventh year, and TSRHC medical staff and chaperones will accompany the patients for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Skiing at the renowned National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) creates a focus for the trip, but the personal growth and challenges the teens experience are often more life-changing than the actual accomplishment of skiing. The goal of the trip is to foster a sense of self-confidence, discovery and independence for these special children. Thanks to generous friends, including American Airlines and their partners, the trip is available at no charge to patient families.

About TSRHC
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation's leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions http://www.tsrhc.org, such as scoliosis http://www.tsrhc.org/scoliosis-spine.htm, clubfoot http://www.tsrhc.org/clubfoot-foot-disorders.htm, hip dysplasia http://www.tsrhc.org/hip-dyslasia-perthes.htm, hand disorders http://www.tsrhc.org/hand-disorders.htm, and Legg-Perthes http://www.tsrhc.org/hip-dysplasia-legg-perthes.htm, and certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia.

Admission is open to Texas children from birth up to 18 years of age. Patients receive treatment regardless of the family's ability to pay.

For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call (214) 559-5000 or (800) 421-1121 or visit http://www.tsrhc.org/.