Too many Americans can relate to the grief of losing a loved one in military service, which makes Memorial Day all the more significant. For one American, in particular, Memorial Day hits close to home, National Spokesperson for AMVETS and renowned award-winning actress, Kerry Cahill.
Cahill is no stranger to military life, the self-proclaimed "army brat" grew up on bases and in rural towns in Montana, Oregon and Texas. In 2009 Cahill lost her father Michael Cahill to a terrorist attack while he was working at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas.
After losing her father, she jumped at the opportunity to partner with Help Heal Veterans to create a wristband that resembled the one her father wore in his early time in the Army as a reminder of his service and dedication to this country.
Cahill says, "My dad was a hero. He died saving the lives of others, and that is how I want his legacy to continue, by helping others."
Michael Cahill's wristband represented more than just fashion. His story inspired Help Heal Veterans to spread awareness of his cause. Michael Cahill's life mission was helping soldiers and veterans; he dedicated his life to his patients till his final act, when he lost his life protecting those he treated on the base.
"The wristband will be part of the craft kits provided by Heal Vets to veterans nationwide. The goal for both myself and Heal Vets is to create something that keeps the memory of my father and his work in the area of mental health and to help those suffering from post-traumatic syndrome (PTSD)," says Cahill.
Help Heal Veterans mission is just as the namesake suggests- to help and to heal veterans by using therapeutic craft kits. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are prevalent in returning veterans in their transition to civilian life. Unfortunately, many veterans struggle to cope with the shifts and lose their life to suicide. The importance of taking care of all wounds both physical and mental is the top priority.
Thus, sparking the movement for the non-profit over 46 years ago. Help Heal Veterans organized after research and discussions with doctors, therapists, and patients from various medical centers and military hospitals. Treatment centers and patients pay nothing for this generous service, made possible by thousands of caring contributors wanting to express their love and appreciation to America's heroes.
HHV plays a part in supporting our veterans with anxiety issues and more. Over the past 46 years, they have helped traumatized veterans improve their motor skills, while also developing better feelings of self-esteem and self-worth. They have delivered nearly 31-million of these arts and crafts kits to veterans and veteran facilities nationwide, along with active duty military overseas. Kits range in categories including woodworking, leather, models, and a variety of needlecrafts, paint-by-numbers and many others.
HHV craft kits help veterans take their minds out of the past and off their pain, letting them live more in the present. The unique part about kits is that they are a tool for more than just healing. They are an activity that brings families together. A veteran using HHV craft kits said he could not wait to receive a new kit so that his grandchildren can come over and sit with him and put together the craft. While putting together the craft, it begins a conversation about a veteran's time in the service, by telling stories it keeps history alive!
