Unboxing Hope: How Your Purchase Supports, CECS & PAES, Rare Mobility Conditions Affecting Athletes & Veterans
Every duck you unbox helps fund research and treatment for CECS and PAES—bringing joy, kindness, and freedom within reach.
Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS) and Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES) are rare mobility conditions that restrict blood flow and cause pain, weakness, and loss of function with activity.
- CECS: Pressure builds within the muscle compartments (often the calves), reducing circulation and causing pain, tightness, and weakness during exertion.
- PAES: The popliteal artery behind the knee is compressed or “entrapped,” limiting blood flow to the lower leg and foot, especially during activity.
Diagnosis is often difficult, the exact causes aren’t clearly understood, and insurance coverage for advanced scans and treatment can be limited. Surgical outcomes vary, and many people spend years searching for answers.
How CECS and PAES Affect Athletes and Veterans
- Veterans: Some service members develop CECS or PAES and face medical discharge due to persistent symptoms.
- Teen athletes (including many girls): High school competitors may lose their shot at returning to sports.
- Endurance & field athletes: Marathon runners, lacrosse players, soccer and basketball athletes report exertional pain, numbness, or weakness.
- Motocross & auto racing: A forearm-specific version (often called arm pump) can cause loss of grip and sensation while driving or riding.
From the field to the track to military training, these conditions can end careers, derail dreams, and can make everyday movement painful.
Our founder, Courtney Conley, has battled CECS and PAES for over 20 years—since she was 14. An 11-letter varsity athlete who couldn’t run a mile without her foot going numb, she cycled through misdiagnoses, surgeries, and years of physical therapy.
By 2023, pain made everyday life unbearable. Then came hope—through innovative care at The McGinley Clinic in Casper, Wyoming, including targeted Botox and Daxxify treatments. Over about 20 months, Courtney has undergone:
- 6 CT scans
- 60+ injections
- 2,400 units of Botox/Daxxify
- 16,344 miles traveled—just to keep walking, moving, and playing
“I finally have a solution that’s working—maybe even permanently. After living with an invisible, debilitating condition since I was 14, I might be getting cured. That word feels foreign… but hopeful.”
Today, she’s experiencing more moments of movement without pain—and sharing that hope with others.
Duck Duck Surprise! was inspired by Jeep Ducking and Cruising Ducks—movements built on kindness and connection. Behind every charm is a cause:
A percentage of every sale helps fund research and treatment for athletes and veterans with rare mobility conditions. For some, that’s the chance to run again. For others, the chance to keep serving—or simply to climb stairs without pain.
When you clip a duck to your bag, keys, lanyard, or tumbler, you’re not just adding a collectible—you’re carrying a reminder of joy, kindness, and hope.
Shop Duck Duck Surprise! today and join the mission to help athletes, veterans, and others reclaim freedom. Want to learn more about the conditions your purchase supports? Read our quick guide: CECS & PAES FAQ.
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is provided for educational and awareness purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you believe you may have Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS), Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES), or any other medical condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read here.
For more information about CECS and PAES, or to find a doctor experienced in diagnosing and treating these conditions, we encourage you to search for a licensed medical professional or specialty clinic.
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