Knoxville, TN, February 5, 2009­­- The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) announces the establishment of the Christina Skoski, M.D., Scholarship Fund. This year, the fund will award a $1,000 scholarship to a student with limb loss who has a special desire to learn, exhibits potential for success, and plans to attend a four-year college. The scholarship amount may be increased in the future.

The scholarship fund was initially endowed with $25,000 from Christina Skoski, M. D., and the ACA hopes to see it grow in the future through matching gifts. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made to the Christina Skoski, M.D., Scholarship Fund.

“I’ve had a wonderful career, which afforded me a fulfilling, successful and interesting life,” says Dr. Skoski. “I hope this scholarship will encourage young amputees to set high goals and pursue their dreams, whatever their interests.”

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be amputees and have a minimum high school grade-point average (GPA) of 3.5 and a minimum ACT score of 30 or SAT score of 1340. They must also submit a letter of recommendation from a high-school adviser. Additionally, the student or his or her parent or legal guardian must be a current member of the ACA. All majors are welcome.

Applications are accepted only by online submission at https://www.amputee-coalition.org/scholarship. The application deadline for fall 2009 consideration is March 1, 2009. The scholarship recipient will be announced no later than May 31, 2009, and will also be announced at the ACA National Conference in June.

Dr. Skoski’s generous donation reflects her strong conviction that limb loss should not be a barrier to academic or professional success. As a sophomore in high school, Dr. Skoski became a hemipelvectomy amputee as a result of sarcoma. Ten years later, she received her medical degree and practiced as an anesthesiologist for 30 years. Today, Dr. Skoski, a longtime member of the ACA and its Medical Advisory Committee, is a staunch advocate of higher education as a way for amputees to gain greater self-sufficiency, overcome life’s obstacles, and advance causes for people living with limb loss.

“I believe that higher education is the key to security and independence in the real world, particularly for a young person with limb loss,” says Dr. Skoski.

“We are thrilled to announce our first endowed scholarship fund at the ACA,” says Kendra Calhoun, ACA president and CEO. “Endowed scholarships span the generations, enabling students to earn degrees and move on to productive careers. For many of these students, these accomplishments would not be possible without scholarship support provided by generous thought-leaders like Dr. Skoski.”

About the Amputee Coalition of America                                                                               

The Amputee Coalition, based in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a national nonprofit organization that empowers people who have experienced amputation or are born with limb differences through education, support and advocacy. For information on becoming an ACA member or making a donation, please visit the ACA Web site at www.amputee-coalition.org or call 888/267-5669.

A high-resolution photograph of Dr. Skoski is available by contacting Rick Bowers at rbowers@amputee-coalition.org.

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