Veteran Attends Adaptive Sports Event Via Flight Assistance
Multiple Disabilities, One Proven Therapy
Vicente is a disabled Veteran who lives in Colorado. He deals with multiple mental and physical disabilities, ranging from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) to arthritis.
“That being said,” said Vicente, “the best therapy for my mental and physical health is staying active!” He describes himself as “an overall sports enthusiast” and “an avid golfer.” Vicente has always dreamed of participating in a big adaptive sports event – and recently, he got his chance.
National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic
It was an exciting day when Vicente found out about the National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic. This is a week-long adaptive golfing event for Veterans with various disabilities. In addition to golf, Veterans also have the option to participate in other adaptive activities.
“I jumped at the chance to participate in 2021,” said Vicente. Unfortunately, his risk of contracting COVID-19 was too high, and he couldn’t go that year. In 2022, he figured nothing would stop him from attending.
The Obstacle, Distance...
Unfortunately for Vicente, something could stop him from attending. Even with a decreased risk of COVID-19, National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic was being held in Iowa that year – more than 700 miles away from his home in Colorado. The round-trip flight would put a considerable dent in Vicente’s limited finances, one that he may not have been able to repair.
“I am the sole financial provider for my family,” said Vicente, explaining that his only source of income is Veterans’ Affairs disability payments. “Our tight budget doesn’t allow for such expenditures. I needed financial assistance.”
But as the event drew closer, financial assistance proved difficult to find. How would Vicente attend this adaptive sports event?
...Overcome by Flight Assistance
However, Vicente isn’t one to give up easily. One day, his persistence paid off when he found out about Mercy Medical Angels’ program for Veterans. Mercy Medical Angels provided charitable flight assistance to the National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic.
“I had connecting flights to and from my destination,” said Vicente. “The employees were kind and considerate of my flight needs.”
“The transportation portion of this was executed flawlessly - I thoroughly enjoyed my flying experience!”
"You Make Dreams Come True!"
When he talks about how Mercy Medical Angels changed his life, Vicente has a hard time containing his joy and gratitude. His answer spills over with pure thankfulness.
“I applaud organizations such as yours,” said Vicente. “You make critical healthcare possible for thousands of Veterans. Also, you make dreams come true!”
“Thank you for your continued support!”
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