Amy's Army, a Part of the Amy Van Dyken Foundation Officially Launches

Amy's Army, a part of the Amy Van Dyken Foundation Officially Launches to provide support to individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) December 27, 2014

Amy Van Dyken, six-time Olympic gold medalist, announced today that she has launched Amy's Army as a part of the Amy Van Dyken Foundation, focused on improving the lives of people with spinal cord injuries. The purpose of Amy's Army is to provide necessary medical supplies for individuals with spinal cord injuries who are unable to afford them through their own resources or insurance.

On June 6, 2014, Amy was severely injured in an ATV accident, severing her spinal cord and leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. Immediately after her injury, friends, family, and fans came together and formed a support community for Amy, calling themselves Amy's Army. The Amy Van Dyken Foundation is a continuation of Amy's Army.

Amy's experience opened her eyes to the difficulties many people face when adjusting to life with a spinal cord injury. “We now have to navigate through this world in a new way, and we require special medical supplies and equipment to do it … supplies and equipment that insurance companies often don't cover,” explains Van Dyken. As an example, “The degrading alternative to having a shower transport chair is being hosed off in a kiddie pool in the back yard. Compassionate people would agree that the chair is medically necessary.” Unfortunately, many insurance companies do not cover necessary items such as this.

According to The University of Alabama National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the cost of living with a spinal cord injury can be up to $1,000,000 in the first year alone. The goal of Amy's Army is to help offset these costs with money raised through donations and fundraising activities.

The Amy Van Dyken Foundation is based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and will provide support to people across the United States. The Foundation is seeking to obtain 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit organization.

To learn more about the Amy Van Dyken Foundation and Amy's Army, visit the website http://www.amyvandyken.org. Nominations can be made for someone to receive assistance and make donations.

For press inquiries, contact Stacy Volhein at stacy(dot)avdf(at)gmail(dot)com.

About Amy's Army:

Amy's Army and the Amy Van Dyken Foundation provides support to people across the United States; the Foundation is seeking to obtain status as a non-profit organization. On June 6, 2014, Amy Van Dyken, six-time Olympic gold medalist, was severely injured in an ATV accident, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. Immediately after her injury, friends, family, and fans came together and formed a support community for Amy, calling themselves Amy's Army.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/Amys-Army/spinal-cord-injuries/prweb12416059.htm