Event provides foot and ankle screenings, free shoes and socks to homeless in Chicago
CHICAGO -- Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush Foot & Ankle Surgeon Dr. Simon Lee led a team of physicians, clinicians, and medical students who provided foot examinations for Chicago area homeless men on December 2. The event, organized by the Chicago chapter of Soles4Souls, took place at The Franciscan House of Mary and Joseph on West Harrison.
From left to right: Joel Campbell, Ryan Freedman (standing), Dr. Simon Lee, Anthony Savino (kneeling), and Joe Ramicone (standing).
Dr. Lee and his team performed over 75 foot and ankle examinations; each patient was subsequently given a new pair of shoes. "The experience was both humbling and gratifying," said Dr. Lee. "This will certainly be an annual event for me, one which I'll be privileged to take part in."
The event was part of a nationwide series of screenings that took place around the Thanksgiving holiday. Soles4Souls, in partnership with Hearts to Soles, provided new boots, socks and medical screenings from foot doctors for over 3,000 homeless men in 35 states.
In addition to Dr. Lee, the clinical staff included Rush University Medical Center residents Daniel Park, M.D., and Paul Lewis, M.D.; Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush clinicians Lauren Simpson, PA-C, and Brandi Alonzo, OT; and orthotics and prosthetics specialists Joe Ramicone and Scott Pierce from Scheck and Siress.
The physicians and clinical staff were assisted by a large and enthusiastic group of medical students from Rush University Medical Center including Nicole Friel, Julia Daher, Vasili Karas, Shannon Zielsdorf, Joel Campbell, Ryan Freedman, Leslie Halpern, Gabriella Ode, Anthony Savino, Robert Trevino, and Jake Weller.
"For many of the medical students, this was their first clinical volunteer experience at Rush," said Nicole Friel. "This experience will leave a strong, lasting impression of how they can get involved in the community and gain hands-on experience with patients."
Red Wing Shoe Company, which has been manufacturing work boots for one hundred years, has recently donated 12,000 pairs of high quality Red Wing footwear to Soles4Souls Inc., the international shoe charity dedicated to providing free footwear to people in need.
"We are so thankful for Dr. Simon Lee of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush and the Franciscan House of Mary and Joseph for reaching out to people to provide a vital service that helps make an immediate impact on people in a great time of need," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "A pair of durable boots can fill a person with hope and confidence. It's a major step towards employment and building self-esteem," he said.
From left to right: Nicole Friel (Rush Medical Student); Vasili Karas (Rush Medical Student); Simon Lee, M.D.; Lauren Simpson, PA-C;
and Brandi Alonzo, MOR Orthopaedic Technician
About Hearts to Soles
In September 2004, Our Hearts to Your Soles was founded by Matthew and Laura Conti, students in the North Allegheny School District located near Pittsburgh. After volunteering at Allegheny General Hospital and seeing the problems that can be caused by improper footwear, they started a non-profit organization that provides free medical foot screening examinations and shoes to less fortunate people. Because other programs provided clothing but not shoes to the needy, the kids saw a great need for their organization. To receive more information about "Our Hearts to Your Soles," or to contact Laura and Dr. Conti, visit www.heartstosoles.com.
About Red Wing Shoe Company
Founded in 1905 in the quiet river town of Red Wing, Minnesota, Red Wing has consistently crafted dependable boots for working men and women. Today, Red Wing boots are found around the globe. For over one hundred years, the company has held to four basic principles: Quality, Craftsmanship, Durability and Comfort. Visit www.redwingshoes.com for more information.
About Soles4Souls
Nashville-based Soles4Souls™ facilitates the donations of both new and used shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Since its inception, Soles4Souls has distributed more than 3.5 million pairs (or one pair every 23 seconds) to people in 61 countries, including Honduras, Romania, Thailand, and the Sudan. The charity has been featured on CNN Headline News, NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, ABC News, FOX, CBS, and hundreds of regional outlets around North America. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org for more information.
