WHO:
14 teenage amputee patients, medical staff and chaperones from 
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC)
TSRHC families and staff
American Airlines representatives
Ski trip sponsors and friends, including American Airlines (AA.com)

WHAT:
TSRHC and American Airlines will host a send-off party celebrating the start of the
28th Annual Amputee Ski Trip to Winter Park, Colo., where 14 teenage patients will learn to ski. The send-off party will also include a weather report and water cannon “shower of affection” arranged by American Airlines.

ABOUT AMPUTEE SKI TRIP:
Skiing at the renowned National Sports Center for the Disabled 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, discovery and independence for these special children. Thanks to generous friends including American Airlines and their partners, the trip is available at no cost to patient families.
   
WHEN:
Monday, Jan. 26, 2009
10:30 a.m.     Press check-in at Terminal D for send-off party
12:45 p.m.     Flight departs DFW International Airport

WHERE:
DFW International Airport
American Airlines Admirals Club, Terminal D (across from Gate D23)
Parking at DFW Airport: Follow airport entrance signs to Terminal D Parking. (Terminal D is located directly below the Grand Hyatt hotel). Take the Level 3 garage sky bridge to Terminal D gates D1-D40. There will be a hospital representative at the airport to meet you when you arrive.

IMPORTANT MEDIA NOTE:
DFW International Airport Security requires a list of names and date of birth of possible media, including reporters, photographers and engineers, by noon on Friday, Jan. 23, for security purposes. Please forward crew list to Melinda Wenk (contact information above) by phone or email. Please note it is recognized that providing the list of names is not a confirmation of media attendance.

HOSPITAL INFORMATION:
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 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.