THANKS

ICOMS 2023 IN VANCOUVER, CANADA, was truly an exceptional event that reunited old friends and created many new friendships in a first-class educational event combined with wonderful social activities. There is no better feeling than seeing beloved friends after a four-year absence. Thank you to everyone who made ICOMS 2023 possible. I would like to give special thanks to Mrs. Kimberly Shadle, who has served as the Foundation’s staff member for 7 years. She has been the “glue” that held us together with her exceptional organizational skills. Unfortunately, she is moving into a new phase of her career. She will be missed but we wish her the best in her future endeavors. Our Communications staff member, Xander Sobecki, will also be leaving the Association for a new job. He has been instrumental in the last few years, providing great advice and information in all areas of communications. Again, Xander, thank you and we wish you well.

Foundation highlights of the 2023 ICOMS included the Foundation Luncheon featuring an absolutely inspiring speaker, Alexis Guimond, who has won two Paralympic bronze medals (which he brought with him, and they are HEAVY) while fighting a lifetime of cerebral palsy and related complications. The sheer determination and drive this young man continues to show, despite numerous setbacks, is humbling. We wish him well as he continues his pursuit of excellence in the Paralympic skiing world.

The Foundation

Donor Reception which immediately preceded the Gala Dinner was a grand prelude to a very special evening. We had a Royal Canadian Mounted Police Corporal who posed with guests for a donation to the Foundation was a highlight of that event. Many lighthearted photos returned home with patrons as a fond memory of Vancouver. The Gala itself was an elegant event with many awards given. A special recognition by Immediate Past President, Gabriella Millesi, presented the Honorary Fellowship to Mr. Christian Leibinger, of the KLS Martin Group. Christian and his father, Karl Leibinger and the entire KLS Martin Group, have been tremendous supporters of the specialty and of our Foundation for many years. Without them, our Foundation would not be nearly as successful. To top off the night for the Foundation, I along with Vice Chairman, Alejandro Martinez, announced that Mr. Christian Leibinger and the KLS Martin Group have pledged another 1 million dollars to the IAOMS Foundation over the next 5 years. This will make the total donation of the KLS Martin Group to our Foundation over 2.2 million dollars. Thank you may not seem enough to say to the Leibingers and the KLS Martin group, but they continue to be THE leaders that are instrumental in helping provide the IAOMS educational programs around the

ICOMS 2023 may be in the history books, but it will be remembered as the first postpandemic meeting of the IAOMS and will go down a very memorable one for all those that attended. Next ICOMS is in Singapore in 2025. Plan to be there. ■

Larry W. Nissen IAOMS FOUNDATION CHAIR