Amy Purdy Delivers Keynote Address at TTUHSC Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health Power of the Purse Luncheon
American snowboarder, motivational speaker and author Amy Purdy delivered the keynote address at the Power of the Purse luncheon and fundraiser on April 10. To date, the fundraiser has raised millions of dollars for landmark scientific research, vital medical education and community programs through Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s (TTUHSC) Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health.
“Our 16th annual Power of the Purse luncheon and designer purse auction featured a truly inspirational speaker,” said Angela Knapp Eggers, senior director of the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health. “Her journey is one few of us can empathize with; however, I feel certain that each of us learned from her story, embraced her message and left with a new sense of purpose.”
Purdy lost both legs to bacterial meningitis at age 19. She went on to become a two-time Paralympic bronze and silver medalist in snowboarding and gained widespread recognition as a finalist on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2014.
“I think for me, it's just been a journey of trying to figure out the possibilities and helping others find the same in their lives. I think we are all capable of amazing things, but the only way we can do amazing things is if we have support,” Purdy said. “We’re here to support each other, to support women's health and to support women advocating for themselves. I've had to advocate for myself my entire life. That's how I've gotten to where I’m at. So, to be able to share that with women and to come together for such a great cause is really exciting.”
In addition to her accomplishments as an athlete, Purdy co-founded Adaptive Action Sports, an organization that helps athletes with disabilities.
“We get athletes on snowboards, but we also do wellness events,” Purdy said. “People with disabilities who want to live an active life come to our organization, and we connect people. We have an amazing community. We run incredible programs for our athletes. For me, it’s a way of sharing the things I love and being able to pass it on and give opportunities I didn’t have when I first lost my legs.”
During the past 16 years, proceeds from Power of the Purse have benefited numerous TTUHSC programs, including the InfantRisk Center, SimCentral Simulation Center, the Breast Center of Excellence, Texas Tech Physicians Psychiatry, Texas Tech Physicians OB-GYN, the TTUHSC Human Sex Trafficking Symposium and scholarships for the School of Nursing.
“I rely on medical innovation. I rely on science. That's the only way I've been able to do what I've done in my life,” Purdy said. “When we're healthy, we're capable. When we're healthy, we can do anything. And that's why we're all here— to make sure women are healthy and get the health care they need. We are all so unique, and it's really important that we focus on gender-specific health care so we can achieve the things we know we're capable of.”
Power of the Purse co-chair Kristen Atkins echoed Purdy’s sentiment about the support systems organizations like the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health can build.
“When women support each other, incredible things happen. Investing in women’s health isn’t just charity—it’s a commitment to stronger families, stronger communities and a brighter future for all,” Atkins said.
This year’s purse auction featured more than 150 handbags and accessories donated by local fashion-forward supporters.
“I have a deep admiration for the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health because of its dedication to empowering individuals through health education, research and outreach programs,” said Irene Jones, Power of the Purse co-chair. “Its impact on both individual lives and our broader communities truly resonates with me.”
Established in 2007, the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health collaborates with TTUHSC institutes and schools to advance scientific research, provider education and community outreach.
“The institute supports TTUHSC, where my husband and many physicians practicing in the region attended medical school,” Jones added. “The Panhandle is fortunate to have an institution that not only promotes health care careers but also brings in new technology to keep our region moving forward.”
Power of the Purse 2026 is scheduled for April 23. For more information, visit www.laurabushinstitute.org.
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