ROMP and Merrell Present: “In Her Shoes”

April 29, 2020 — Merrell and non-profit Range of Motion Project (ROMP) come together to tell the story of two amputee women from vastly different backgrounds as they attempt to summit Cotopaxi with one goal: mobility for all.

Watch “In Her Shoes” here.

Each year, ROMP organizes a mountaineering expedition to raise awareness and funds for amputees in need of prosthetic care. The annual Climbing for ROMP event brings together amputees and able bodied athletes from all over the world with one objective: summiting Ecuador’s Cotopaxi (19,347 ft) volcano.

The 5th annual climb brought together two incredible women who share a similar injury but come from vastly different backgrounds. Both above-the-knee amputees, Kirstie is a U.S. veteran and world-class mountaineer who has attempted Mount Everest, while Estefania lives in Mexico City and is brand new to the world of mountaineering. Together with a team of guides, able-bodied athletes, and amputee athletes, these brave women attempt to summit the second-highest peak in Ecuador and in doing so deliver a statement to the world: mobility for all.

Their inspiring journey is captured in the new film, “In Her Shoes,” and shows the world that when amputees have access to proper technology, no mountain is too high. The team climbs together for those who cannot and stands in solidarity with all amputees who are still marginalized by a lack of access to prosthetic care.

“Climbing for ROMP is the perfect opportunity for us to show the world that what stands in our way actually empowers us,” said Ennis. “We are a diverse climbing team from all walks of life coming together to show what is possible when you have compassion for others and a drive to turn dreams into reality.”

“We are in a unique position to leverage our own mobility to help amputees receive prosthetic treatment and technology that they need to redefine their potential,” said Founder and Executive Director Dave Krupa. “This is our mission.”

“At Merrell, we believe the trail is for all and we are proud to partner with ROMP to encourage and inspire everyone to experience the outdoors,” said Rachel Horos, Marketing Manager at Merrell. “This film beautifully portrays the strength of two incredible women and how they show the world the power of mobility and what is possible when amputees have access to the proper technology.”

Climbing for ROMP’s amazing sponsors make this global event possible – Merrell, Tatoo Adventure Gear, CAMP, Clif Bar Family Foundation, Cumbre Tours, U.S. Embassy, Ottobock, Challenged Athletes Foundation, The Kirstie Ennis Foundation, Hanger Clinic, Ability Prosthetics & Orthotics, Alta Andina, Honey Stinger, Osprey Packs, Darn Tough Vermont Socks, Yeti, Bentgate Mountaineering, Avery Brewery, Agile Orthopedics, Cascade, Blatchford, Marmot, College Park Industries, LEKI, Klean Kanteen, Royal Bank of Canada, and Scheck & Siress.

For more information on the film, reach Jamie.Leach@merrell.com.

About ROMP:

ROMP is dedicated to providing prosthetic care to amputees who do not have access. In developing countries, amputation is much more prevalent due to lack of good, consistent health care and access to rehabilitative services and technology is minimal. So much so that the World Health Organization estimates that only 1 out of 10 amputees around the world have access to proper assistive devices, including prosthetic limbs. ROMP is changing this statistic. ROMP has conducted over 10,200 patient visits, delivered more than 3,700 devices and raised more than $10 million in fundraising and value of in-kind donations since 2005. For more info, visit www.rompglobal.org or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

About Merrell:

Merrell® exists to share the simple power of being outside. We believe the trail is for everyone. Our goal is to provide thoughtfully designed, rigorously tested products that over-deliver on performance, versatility and durability. Visit Merrell.com, the Merrell newsroom, or follow us on social at @merrell and @merrelloutside.