Disabled Mountaineer to Ascend World's Tallest Volcano; Paralyzed Below His Right Knee, David Lim Relies on Seattle Systems' Custom Sure Step.

POULSBO, Wash. -- Highly experienced and internationally known mountaineer David Lim, is set to ascend the world's tallest volcano, Ojos Del Salado. The peak divides Argentina and Chile and is 22,600 feet high. Having previously led two Mount Everest group expeditions, David Lim's summit expedition spans three weeks this month (January 4 - 28) and will demand tremendous strength as well as presence of mind as he will climb Ojos Del Salado alone.

David Lim carries a passion for overtaking large obstacles. Following his first ascent of Everest in 1998, Lim was stricken with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare nerve disorder, which left him paralyzed initially from the neck down. Doctors said he would never climb again, but instead of giving up, Lim took it as a challenge and recovered most of his mobility. His left arm and leg have restricted mobility, and his lower right leg remains completely paralyzed. Lim has learned to rely on his Seattle Systems Custom Sure Step brace to make his arduous ascents.

The Seattle Systems Custom Sure Step(TM) is David Lim's support for his disabled right leg. Originally designed for athletes, the Custom Sure Step effectively counters posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, severe arthritic conditions and partial paralysis. Its semi-rigid orthotic footplate offers leverage control over the ankle joint.

With his disability Lim says his climbing expends 30 percent more energy than a mountaineer of full ability. This trip, he says, could prove to be his most difficult ascent, because solo climbs demand much more energy and a solo ascent has many dangers and pitfalls. This particular trip is a return to the roots of climbing; early mountaineers were courageous explorers who took on the high country in solo expeditions -- traveling light, fast and completely independent of peripheral help.

Lim notes that because of its compact design, the Custom Sure Step fits climbing boots better than traditional braces. The product is compatible with any lace-up shoe. With a stiff shank and deep heel cup, the Custom Sure Step is specially molded to fit each individual patient. Available in twelve models, the Custom Sure Step covers a wide range of pathologies and, as seen with David Lim, can help patients direct their drive and ambition to challenge their disabilities.

For more information about David Lim please go to: http://www.everest.org.sg/.

Seattle Systems, Inc.

Based in the Northwest with sales offices worldwide, Seattle Systems is a leading American manufacturer of orthopedic and physical rehabilitation products. Seattle Systems provides trusted products with proven designs that meet or exceed industry standards for quality and ease of use for orthopedic, podiatric, orthotic and prosthetic professionals around the globe.

Seattle Systems is the first company to bring 'Flash' technology to the fitting of custom knee orthosis, debuting Digital Flash Scan technology, an easy-to-use knee brace shape acquisition technology for medical professionals. By enabling ultra accurate electronic shape acquisition, ordering using Digital Flash Scan reduces fulfilment times by 50 percent versus traditional methods.

The wide-ranging Seattle Systems product line includes orthotic bracing, cold therapy, sports medicine and artificial limb components and systems.

For more information, please visit our web site at www.seattlesystems.com.