MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Amputee Awareness Night at Perfect Game Field

July 17, 2014 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


Cedar Rapids, IA - July 19 will be a special day for John Cooper, a Cedar Rapids resident whose legs were amputated because of complications from diabetes. Early that day he'll celebrate his wedding, and then he will top off the evening by throwing the first pitch at the Cedar Rapids Kernels baseball game.

The first pitch is part of Amputee Awareness night at the ballpark, sponsored by Clark & Associates Prosthetics and Orthotics, serving Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and the surrounding areas.

"Amputee Awareness night was created to draw attention to life and ability after an amputation," commented Chad Remmert of Clark and Associates, "John epitomizes the way the use of prosthetics can result in happiness and a full life."

John's story is highlighted in Clark and Associate's July newsletter. When John initially sought care from the clinic, his weight and health kept him from living a fulfilling life. The amputation of his feet and legs only added to his difficulties, giving him a bleak perspective.

But while working with Clark and Associates he formed a strong bond with staff. His new Iowa Hawkeye prosthesis and support from professionals changed his outlook, motivating him to lose 174 pounds.

Clark and Associates will sponsor a tailgating event starting at 3:30 p.m. located outside of the northwest corner of the stadium and provide two free game tickets for anyone who reserves them in advance. Inside the stadium, they will display new technologies in prosthetics that are making it possible for amputees to live active and full lives.

Members of SportAbility of Iowa and Diamonds and Fields are also teaming up with Clark and Associates to educate about their missions to provide sport and recreational opportunities for people with physical disabilities. SportAbility recently gained attention when their wheelchairs used to play basketball were stolen in Cedar Rapids. Since the incident, local businesses raised the money to replace the chairs.

The Kernels continue a six game home stand on Friday against the Lake County Captains at 6:35 pm. It's Duck Dynasty Theme Night - come dressed as your favorite Duck Dynasty character and the first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a free Kernels Commander Tea Cup. Also, the first 1,500 fans through the gates receive a 2014 Kernels Team Photo, thanks to Wells Fargo and Copyworks. The current home stand continues through Monday, July 21st.

Morgan Hawk brings you all of the play-by-play on the radio home of Kernels baseball, 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM. Fans may listen on-line at www.kmryradio.com, or www.kernels.com.

Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.kernels.com, or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560. Ticket office hours are 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday.

Check out the Cedar Rapids Kernels Statistics



Midwest League Stories from July 17, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central