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Veteran Attends Life-Changing Healing Retreat

October 24, 2021

One Challenge After Another 

“After 20 years of honorable service, I was medically discharged from the Navy on account of a PTSD diagnosis.”  

These words are just the beginning of the adversity Michael faced. After being discharged, he had no pension and nowhere to go. He ended up in a toxic living situation; when he finally managed to get away from it, he became homeless.  

Michael had faced one challenge after another. It seemed like he would never find healing.
 

He Found Barriers...

A glimmer of hope appeared. Michael was chosen to attend a Lone Survivor Foundation retreat. The Lone Survivor Foundation conducts healing retreats for Veterans. These retreats provide bonding experiences with other Veterans and a safe place where they can let their guard down. When the Veterans return home, they have learned healthy ways to cope with their visible and invisible wounds. 

 

However, Michael soon ran into a barrier. The retreat center was outside of Raleigh, North Carolina – more than 580 miles from his home in Florida. He couldn’t afford a round-trip airline ticket, and driving wasn’t a viable option. “I am on a fixed income,” said Michael, “so travel for any services outside my local area is beyond my modest means.” 

 

Michael’s situation was beginning to look bleak once more. How would he get to the Lone Survivor Foundation retreat center? 


...But They Were Removed

When faced with dark situations, people search for signs of light. Sometimes the light comes in the form of an angel. Michael discovered an entire team of angels - Mercy Medical Angels’ program for Veterans! 

Partnered with the Hogan Foundation, Mercy Medical Angels’ program for Veterans arranged and paid for Michael’s round-trip ticket. He flew from his home to the Lone Survivor Foundation retreat. While there, he found healing. 

 

With the barrier of distance removed, Michael was able to fly to the care he needed – at no cost. When he was recommended to attend the retreat a second time, Mercy Medical Angels’ program for Veterans helped him once again. “This was my second experience and it was just as great as the first.” 


“Please Extend My Profound Gratitude...” 

Now, Michael has learned healthy ways to deal with his chronic PTS. “My flight was great,” said Michael, “and this opportunity helped me to maintain my physical and mental wellness.” Not only did it help maintain his physical and mental wellness, but it also changed his life for the better. 

 

As a new chapter of Michael’s life begins, he thanks Mercy Medical Angels’ program for Veterans from the bottom of his heart. 

 

“Please extend my profound gratitude to all who made this possible!” 

 


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