People & Places

ATHLETIC ENDEAVORS Runner Sets World Record

Marko Cheseto set a world record among bilateral amputee athletes when he completed the 2021 New York Marathon in 2:35:55. Cheseto, a Team Össur member, was born in Kenya and came to the United States on an athletic scholarship at the University of Alaska. He set several collegiate track-and-field records before losing both legs below the knee in 2011, due to an accident that resulted in severe frostbite. In the 10 years since his amputation, he has completed six marathons, and has continued progressing toward his goal of completing a marathon in less than two hours.

Several additional Team Össur athletes completed the New York Marathon with impressive times, including Paralympic athletes Richard Whitehead from the United Kingdom and Rudy Garcia-Tolson from the United States, who also ran in the bilateral amputee athlete category. In addition, eight-time South African Paralympian Ernst van Dyk Africa competed in the wheelchair division.

Marko Cheseto set a world record among bilateral limb loss athletes at the 2021 New York Marathon with a time of 2:35:55.

PEOPLE & PLACES

PROFESSIONALS

IN MEMORIAM

Daryl William (Bill) Sandberg passed away in Mountain Home, Arkansas, January 4. Sandberg, who grew up in Minnesota, worked in the O&P profession for 45 years. Sandberg became a certified prosthetist in 1974 after completing programs at New York University and Northwestern University. Early in his career, he worked for Otto Bock and Winkley Orthopedic Laboratories in Twin Cities. In 1978, he founded Sandberg Prosthetic Services, a company dedicated to the central fabrication of upper- and lower-limb prostheses.

In 1997, Sandberg launched SPT Technology Inc., focusing on the manufacture and distribution of products that support the O&P industry. He grew the business into a global company, serving customers domestically and in 20 countries. He became known for his innovative techniques, components, and materials design.

Sandberg also was a prominent figure in O&P education. In 1974, he was among the first of three instructors that founded Century College’s O&P technician program. He also was heavily involved in AOPA and the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.

Sandberg retired from O&P in 2011 and split time in residences in Priest River, Idaho, and Mountain Home, Arkansas. He is survived by his wife Mary and sons Don and Tom, as well as several grandchildren. In remembrance of his life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made in his name to the Animal Humane Society or Shriner’s Hospital.

Adriane Griffen, DrPH, MPH, MCHES®, CNED, has been appointed executive director of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists. Prior to joining the Academy, Griffen served as senior director of public health and leadership Daryl William (Bill) Sandberg for the Association of University Centers on Disabilities for five years; as director for the National Center on Disability in Public Health for four years; and in various health promotion and partnership development leadership roles. “I am honored to serve the O&P profession as executive director of the Academy,” said Griffen. “O&P professionals provide a valuable service to an ever-growing and diverse patient population. I look forward to growing the profession by aligning the Academy with other public health organizations to ensure that O&P professionals are seen as valued members of the healthcare team.” “The Academy board and I are thrilled to have Adriane as the organization’s new executive director,” said Sarah Thomas, CPO, FAAOP, Academy president. “Her experience in the public health space is valuable, as is her ability to lead us into the future with the Academy’s core pillars as a guide.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND TRANSITIONS

Adriane Griffen, DrPH, MPH, MCHES®, CNED