June 4, 2008
All of us on the Ponseti team at the University of Iowa are deeply
saddened by the tragic accident yesterday that took the life of little
Sydney Blanton. She was very special to us and we cannot express our
anguish at losing her. Our patients are part of a worldwide family and
there has been a tremendous outpouring of grief and loss from other
families affected by clubfeet. As people devoted to healing, this
tragedy strikes us particularly hard. Our thoughts and prayers are with
Sydney's family as well as the pilot, who was so selfless in bringing
Sydney to us.

Sydney's family also asked us to provide the following statement:  "We
want to thank everyone for their support and assistance following the
tragedy that struck our family yesterday. The rescue workers and heroic
citizens who helped us at the scene of the crash, each doctor, nurse,
caregiver and everyone else who has helped us at this very difficult,
emotional time in our lives, has been absolutely wonderful. We will
always be grateful for their compassion, tenderness and care for Sydney
and us. We also thank all of the people of Iowa and Georgia for their
thoughts and prayers. Sydney was much loved by her family and friends.
It gives us comfort to know that she also touched the lives and hearts
of so many others." 

Welcome:

The Ponseti International Association (PIA) is dedicated to the promotion of the Ponseti Method for the treatment of clubfoot. By fundraising, making educational materials about the method more readily available, training doctors around the world, and more, PIA is making strides in helping children walk...around the world. 

"Through this association and the partnerships it will foster, our goal is to make Dr. Ponseti's clubfoot treatment available to any child, born anywhere in the world, with this condition." 
Jean E. Robillard, MD
Vice President for Medical Affairs
University of Iowa

One Method:

More than 50 years ago, Dr. Ponseti developed an innovative, non-surgical treatment for clubfoot involving the gentle, manual manipulation of the child's foot and the application of toe-to-groin plaster casts.

One Mission:

The Internet has been a powerful tool in raising awareness of the Ponseti Method treatment of clubfoot. This website is built on a foundation laid out by physicians and parents who have worked painstakingly to promote the Ponseti Method.

One Cure:

Ponseti International Association (PIA) is committed to treating children around the world with clubfoot. No child deserves the pain and suffering caused by  untreated clubfeet.

Recent News:

Click here for our new casting care instructions.

Click here for our new clubfoot glossary.

Click here for information on treating older children with clubfoot.