Dr. Frank Chang
Recreation/Development | 2001
Hometown: Aurora, Colorado
School Name: Adaptive Recreation for Childhood Health
Dr. Frank Chang joined the Colorado Children’s Hospital Department of Orthopedics in 1981. Working with children with orthopedic, neurological and sensory challenges, Dr. Chang would soon become involved in what would be a lifelong dedication to the Adaptive Recreation for Childhood Health (ARCH) program at the Children’s Hospital. ARCH was created in 1968 as a way for children with amputations to get involved with alpine skiing. The program soon expanded to provide recreational resources for individuals with a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer, spina bifida, head and spinal cord injuries, and cerebral palsy. At the time, it was one of the very first of its kind programs in the country.
Dr. Chang became the volunteer medical liaison to the ARCH program, providing medical expertise and advice to youngsters who were pursuing the skills to ski for the very first time. But his commitment didn’t stop with advice. He would venture out to
Winter Park to videotape the youngsters skiing so they would have the opportunity to observe and analyze themselves. And Dr. Chang was always around, providing positive support, encouragement and, if necessary, some medical back-up.
Dr. Chang’s presence on the ski slopes with the ever present bags of candy was the support and confidence booster that many kids needed to challenge themselves to do the kinds of things no one thought possible. Dr. Chang’s commitment to, and dedication for, the ARCH program at Colorado Children’s Hospital opened the door to a whole new world of adventure for so many deserving kids.
