Trouble with a Traumatic Brain Injury 

A Thousand-Mile Barrier to Care 

Despite her challenges, Amanda wasn’t about to give up. She dove into researching resources that could help her. At last, she had an answer to her problems: Shepherds for Lost Sheep, a service dog organization.  “A service dog could mitigate some of these fears and lessen my reliance on others,” Amanda said.  

However, Amanda couldn’t pay for the round-trip flight. Even if she could afford it, her husband was active-duty military, making travel impossible. Shepherds for Lost Sheep was based in Texas, more than 1,000 miles away. How could she obtain her service dog – and regain her independence? 

Soaring Past the Obstacles 

When people run out of hope, they often pray for angels to carry them past hard times.  A different group of angels restored Amanda’s hope - Angel Wings for Veterans! Angel Wings for Veterans, a program of Mercy Medical Angels, provided charitable flights for Amanda’s service dog and the trainer. This enabled Amanda to stay safe at home, while still receiving the gift of a lifetime. 

Newfound Independence

Amanda’s service dog is named Orion, after the constellation of a legendary hunter. Orion has lived up to his name. He has acted like a guiding star for Amanda. And like a hunter, Orion is helping Amanda chase and capture her dreams. A few years ago, Amanda participated in an adaptive sports race. Orion was at the finish line to congratulate her! 

All in all, Orion helped Amanda regain her independence. Her husband is more comfortable leaving her home alone. Amanda can recover from falls without help and be more mobile throughout the day. “I’m lucky to have a constant companion watching my back.” said Amanda.  

Thanks to Angel Wings for Veterans providing charitable flights, disabled Veterans like Amanda can obtain service dogs and improve their quality of life.