comprehensive prosthetics and orthotics

Staying Connected to the Patients They Ser ve

By Sara Browning

2013 Denise Riesen Photography

Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics partners with the Midwestern Amputee Golf Association to promote physical and mental rehabilitation to individuals who have experienced the loss of a limb.
hether participating in a local fundraiser, sponsoring a patient, or making a generous donation, Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics is giving back to organizations that assist amputees on a local, regional, and national scale. Since 2005, Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics (CPO) has provided exceptional patient care helping individuals regain their independence and continue to live life to the fullest. An independent private practice accredited by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics, CPOs highly trained, experienced, and compassionate team combines genuine care with the most innovative devices and techniques available to help patients who have lost a limb, or who are recovering from an injury during every step of their journey to total independence. Encouraging Wounded Warriors CPO is highly involved in giving back to the community. Most of the events we sponsor are directly connected to the patients we service, says Don Goertzen, CP, LPO, co-owner of Comprehensive Prosthetics
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and Orthotics (CPO) and an amputee. CPO has contributed to many organizations, and we plan to continue to support foundations and charities on a local, regional and national level. One of the largest events in which CPO participates is carried out by the Halo for Freedom Warrior Foundation, an organization started by Dana Bowman, a Special Forces soldier, a member of the U.S. Armys elite parachute team and a CPO patient. Dana lost both of his legs during a military skydiving event in New Mexico in 1994. Through its projects and events, the foundation demonstrates how amputees can still lead exemplary lives. The organization provides support for veterans as they overcome the many challenges they encounter after returning home. Weve been sponsoring this foundation ever since our patient, Dana, started it in 2011, says Don. The foundation has been a tremendous inspiration to our veterans. The foundation organizes annual events in which amputees, wounded veterans, and their families may participate. The events take place near and around Fort Worth, Texas. During the Halo for Freedom

ria, is a private, national, not-for-profit organization that provides fishing opportunities and instruction for special needs groups and children with disabilities free of charge. According to Don: We donate to Hooked on Fishing for kids every year. CPO stands 100 percent behind what they do. Fore! Golf is a popular sport among CPO patients. CPO sponsors the Midwest Amputee Golf Association (MWAGA), located in Northbrook, Illinois, on an annual basis. MWAGA is a volunteer group of individuals who have experienced the loss of a limb. The volunteers use golf to promote physical and mental rehabilitation. CPO also holds its own golf outing every summer at one of the local golf courses for patients, nurses, doctors, physical therapists and surgeons. Amputees come from all over the area to the CPO Golf Outing, says Don, adding: One year, we had Dana Bowman skydive onto the golf course and serve as our guest speaker. He comes all the way to CPO from Texas. Dana worked with many prosthetists before choosing us. He always tells other amputees that CPO is the very best! Don says CPO treats patients like family. Our community involvement shows that we value the people we serve. CPOs prosthetics and orthotics opens doors of opportunity for patients to live happy, healthy lives. We want our patients to live life to the fullest and be successful. Donald W. Don Goertzen, CP, LPO is a co-owner of Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics (CPO). He received his Certification in Prosthetics from the American Board for Certification in Prosthetics and Orthotics in 1983. Don is a board-certified and licensed Prosthetist and Orthotist.

2013 Denise Riesen Photography

Donald W. Don Goertzen, a co-owner of Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics (CPO) and an amputee himself, is actively involved with many charitable events directly connected to the patients he, and CPO, services.
Warrior Foundations annual Weekend to Remember, veterans have the chance to drive a NASCAR at 145 miles per hour, skydive, horseback ride, engage in bow fishing, or participate in a 3-gun shooting competition. The weekend ends with a black-tie Gala that raises funds for both the HALO for Freedom Warrior Foundation and the Ride 2 Recovery organization. The Halo for Freedom Warrior Foundation pays all expenses for veterans and their families who wish to participate in these events. Amputee and disabled are not synonymous, says Don. Many of our veterans who come to this event are discouraged or depressed. The foundation really encourages them and shows them all they are capable of doing.

Baseball, Motocross, and Hooked on Fishing The Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IPMR), a nonprofit outpatient rehabilitation facility, holds its annual Legend at the Ballpark, sponsored by CPO, in Peoria each year. The event takes place at Dozer Stadium and benefits the Rehabilitation Foundation of IPMR. Weve sponsored Legend at the Ballpark for years, says Don. We work closely with IPMR in patient rehabilitation. Its a really good fit for us and for our patients. Another CPO patient, Nick Mardis, participates in motocross, a physically demanding form of cross-country motorcycle racing. We sponsor Nick every year, says Don. He races nationally, and he has the Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics name all over his motorcycle, which is a great tribute for us and what we do to help people with disabilities. CPO also donates to Hooked on Fishing. Hooked on Fishing, Veterans participating in the HALO for Freedom Warrior Foundations annual Weekend to Remember festivities. which takes place in East Peo-

For more information on Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics, call toll-free: 1-888-676-2276 or visit www.cpousa.com. Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics is located at 741 West Main Street, Peoria, IL 61606.

November 2013 Peoria Healthy Cells Magazine Page 45