Share This Page

Warrior Games 2012

by Ashley Estill

“Because a family’s love is the best medicine.” This common phrase has become the motto of Fisher House Foundation, proving that sometimes medicine is not enough, and that having family nearby can help cure anything. Not limited to service members recovering around the world, Fisher House Foundation brought families to the 2012 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to help cheer on their loved ones during these Paralympic games.

Every athlete participating in the games was offered two round-trip airline tickets to Colorado Springs for the games; round-trip transportation to all the games; lodging; meal tickets and access to a hospitality lounge during the week-long games. Fisher House Foundation’s Hero Miles program provided over 300 flights for families and veteran athletes this year alone.

Service members participating in the Warrior Games have sustained both visible and invisible injuries, and are living proof at the resiliency and determination that exists in those who defend our freedom. To make their experience even better, Fisher House Foundation, in partnership with Bob Woodruff Foundation, Semper Fi Fund, Army Homefront Fund, Armed Services YMCA, USO Family and Warrior Care, Ameritox and Hope for the Warriors, took the lead in bringing in families to support their loved one and their growing list of achievements. Wives, husbands, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters and parents flooded the games with a spirit that is unmatched by anything else. For athletes to see their family in the crowd was amazing, and just what they needed and deserve.

“As an athlete this is something that has brought me out of the darkest places,” said USMC Staff Sgt. Matthew Benack. “If it wasn’t for the Fisher House and the donations that they receive from others, my family wouldn’t be able to be out here and share this with me. It helped my family understand the importance of the games for me, but also for the other injured service members.”

.

Share This Page