Diveheart: Opening up a new world for veterans and others with disabilities
Diveheart is one of the most inspiring dive programs anywhere. Take a few minutes to see the work founder Jim Elliott and his DiveHeart program does to help people with disabilities (and share your thoughts about this great program below!).
I was diagnosed with MS over 10 yrs ago. I also was diagnosed with Neuropathy around the same time.
Together I fight muscle fatigue, balance, numbness in feet and depression.
I got open water certification 5 yrs ago and since have advance.
One day I remeber thinking ….”I really want to go out diving”. Usually I waited for my then boyfriend to put our trips together, but we had split up. And I was on my own. Some time had passed and I really just couldn’t wait any longer and I needed to figure out how to get up & out on the water. Fortunatly I stumbled upon a scuba boat that was going out the very next day, and had an opening for another diver. But the gentlemen on the phone taking my call, said “This boat has been booked for DiveHeart”, for divers with disabilities. He then went on to explain. He didn’t know the knot in my throat that was building, the tears that were rolling down my face, all while he went on to explain who would be on the boat and diving. Once he paused…I quietly said, “I have disabilities”, “and I’d fit right in”. I couldn’t believe it, I actually found a boat, found a dive group that I’d feel comfortable with.
To this day, that dive trip was one of the most memorable. Who I met, and what I saw these handicapped Vets do was inspiring. The days I struggle are pale in comparison to these folks. Their attitudes their willingness was amazing. What I took away was that I should be happy for what body parts I have that still work, and to be patient with what I struggle with. It was so wierd, my biggest secret I’ve been keeping from the “Active world”, had now come out of the closet.
It’s been years since that dive trip, and I’ve shared with fellow ‘Normmie” divers what the handicapped divers had to go through to get in and out of the water. And how much they must have overcome fear with their fraile bodies, that quit on them, but trusting the Diver Masters wouldn’t. No matter what, they would make sure they would be back on the boat. And that they did…Along with the biggest grins and smiles I’ve ever seen. It was an amazing exeperience!
I’m just about to celebrate my 100th dive ! These days, I’m much more comfortable telling my current dive club- dive buddies my handicaps. And also sharing with my Neurologist about how diving has helped me physically, mentally and emotionally. I LOVE DIVING…. and look forward to give back to DiveHeart. Thanks, Waverly
Waverly…thanks for joining our Dive Club: Laguna Sea Dwellers in Orange County, CA. Your story is inspirational and moving, thanks for joining us. You are a real encouragement!