It is with great regret that we share that Todd Anderson, CP, FAAOP, our colleague, friend and inspiration, passed away on August 18. We will miss him and his ability to open doors, lighten lives and to spark a smile and a laugh.
Todd was born in 1960 and spent his years in motion. Whatever role he played, he was fully engaged, taking on new challenges, reaching for new adventures and experiences, and often leaving those he touched changed for good.
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| Todd Anderson |
His achievements included being an eight-time National Tournament Most Valuable Player and Hall of Fame Inductee for the National Wheelchair Softball Association; a world-record-holder in the 200m run in Gothenburg, Sweden; a member of the United States Disabled Volleyball team from 1993 to 1994; and recipient of multiple awards for archery. He always pushed himself to improve, to go from good to great, and to help others enjoy and explore new activities.
Todd’s education included a bachelor of science from the University of Wisconsin, a 1984 post-graduate certificate in clinical education from White Bear Lake, and in 1986 he was certified as a prosthetist by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC). He was one of the first clinicians to be recognized as an American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (Academy) Fellow in 2001, a reflection of his commitment to learning. He authored many respected clinical works and presented to countless audiences.
Todd’s career started in 1985 at Northwestern Artificial Limb and Brace in Minneapolis. In 1989, he worked at Green Bay Orthopedic Company in Green Bay, Wis. Next, he worked as the clinical manager at the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Minneapolis.
He came to Otto Bock on August 16, 1999 as the director of professional and clinical services. He spent the intervening years building a professional and clinical services team that delivers more than 400 educational opportunities annually. At Otto Bock, he most recently opened the Innovation Center and launched the concept of cooperative care.
“Todd Anderson was one of the most thoughtful, passionate men I have had the pleasure to know,” Brad Ruhl, president and chief executive officer of Otto Bock HealthCare, stated in a press release. “His leadership and dedication to others is already missed.”
His unerring compass kept everyone around him focused on improving care and outcomes for people with limb loss and other physical challenges. As Todd himself said, he works for people with limb loss and other disabilities – he just happens to do that work at Otto Bock.
“Todd brought a unique perspective to all that he did, always serving as the voice of the patient, acting with integrity and honor. He brought humor and compassion to every aspect of our work,” Bert Harman, president and chief executive officer of Otto Bock North America, stated.
Todd also advanced the industry in other ways, including 4 years as a board member for the United States International Society of Prosthetists and Orthotists, president of the Minnesota chapter of the Academy, and most recently served as the secretary-treasurer of the ABC.
“Todd was the kind of person people loved to be around,” Kendra Calhoun, president and chief executive officer of the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA), stated. “Over the years, he made significant contributions as a member of the ACA – most recently at our Limb Loss Task Force Summit. He was a bright star. The limb loss community burns a bit less bright today without him.”
Todd touched a great many people on his journey, from schoolmates to teammates, from colleagues to close friends, and he will be greatly missed.
