Testimonials
From a Hero:
“First and foremost thank you a million times over. I cannot stress how much your week long program has helped heal many of my problems and has also helped me/us to reconnect with my beautiful family. This week-long retreat of family activities has reinsured our purpose of family and marriage.
My daughters thank you from the bottom of their heart’s for giving them back their father. They express that their father was broken and you guys fixed him when no other doctor could even touch his mind. One daughter wanted to say thank you for giving her the ability to open up to me and her Mom. Her sister enjoyed the relationships that were made and another daughter said it was the best experience that she has ever had.”
From a Hero Spouse:
“Before this retreat, my husband, son and I were dealing with severe isolation problems. For example, our 12 year old son thought that he was the only one dealing with those unexpected challenges that a Wounded Hero Family struggle with. Before the Ski Week, he felt misunderstood by other children and was bullied. He was put on homebound schooling for his depression. He learned through this event that he is not alone, and that is ok to tell people why his dad cannot do certain things. He is so much happier now and is back in a new middle school …adjusting well. He still communicates with the other WH children.”
Maggie J., Connecticut:
“This experience was life changing. Before we went to CO, P. and I were on the verge of breaking up and now we talk about marriage and having a house and possibly another child. I have never seen him so at ease when we spent the week in Breck.”
Wendy M., Colorado:
“I have never spent a week with my family that there wasn’t some sort of breakdown except for our week last April. No tears, no arguing, no tantrums…..it was heaven. We met a group of strangers and walked away life-long friends. We met people that in the 6 years since M.’s injuries we have never met. I myself didn’t feel like an outsider, we cried together, we laughed together, we shared our stories before, during, and after this wonderful event.
Stephanie O., Alabama:
“As a caregiver, I was finally able to relax. I could ski at my own pace and not have the constant worry of the boys and their whereabouts, and activities. My husband was also in expert hands, which lifted a great deal of worry off my shoulders and I actually enjoyed myself without the anxiety. For my husband, he was able to do something he thought he’d never have the chance to do again since he was put in his wheelchair. The adaptive program is phenomenal and the guides love what they do, which makes it all the more sincere.”
Tanya B, Virginia:
“What did Breck do for me? It is more of what has it done for me since I came home. I am happy, truly happy. I have close friends when I was almost totally recluse before. My kids’ talk of T. and I like we are super heroes. They respect us more.”
Robert F., Texas:
“The boys and I can speak to each other much better and I am at a place where I can hear them. I know one week won’t magically fix me or fix our family dynamic but it sure can be a start. In one week I realized that if I can be more patient with myself, I can be more patient with my boys and that will make me a better Dad. As I sit here today I am a better Father. I like that about myself…. I am happy to report that after our week in Colorado I am dating my beautiful wife again!”
From a Hero:
“The time spent together was so special. It was amazing to see things in my spouse and daughter that I didn’t realize was there all along. They proved to be courageous. They did not fear heights on the high altitude ropes course or jumping off a 30-foot cliff into freezing Colorado waters. Each event helped us cheer one another on and bond like never before. Putting electronic devices away, enjoying each other’s company and having FUN together made all the PTSD issues go away for a bit. I didn’t realize this would bond our family together more than ever.”
Charles, California:
“I want to Thank You immensely for all you did for our family. It had been hard for me to reconcile with many things happening in my life after serving and coping in a peaceful manner, which was never my strongest suit. After our trip with you guys, I have been able to communicate better with my wife and I even feel that because of it, our marriage is much better in many ways. I feel more trusting with Jen over issues I was initially scared to talk about for fear of being misunderstood or even hated for things I did while serving, things that although proud of wearing my uniforms, were hard to accept on my end as a human being. Being in war is maybe one of the hardest things I’ve ever done and for the longest time carrying the pain with me became a crutch for anger and many things. Until today, I have no idea how my wife tolerated it all.
….. I honestly don’t think there is anything you guys could ever do to be better than you already are for you guys treated us with the love and respect I’ve only yearned to be given with the recognition I’ve struggled so hard to feel deserving of. Thanks to you my marriage is stronger than ever, I feel an even better man, husband and father to our boys and our bonds have been strengthened because of you guys.”
David S, Georgia:
“Since my injury, I have experienced times of emptiness and lack of direction. I felt that snowboarding would help fill the void. However, the bonds created with friends and families during this ski week, are far greater than any sport could achieve. Friendships like this are only possible through an event like this. To my knowledge, there is no other event that compares to what your organization/committee has established. The entire week created so much comraderie that will remain with us forever.”