Dear Friends of Comfort Crew,
In 2013, Team CCMK registered to run in the Austin Marathon- Half Marathon. Each runner selected a veteran to honor. I selected Todd Nelson. In 2007, shortly before his scheduled flight home, Todd’s life was changed forever when a suicide bomber detonated beside his vehicle. He endured 20 lifesaving surgeries and another 20 reconstructive surgeries.
I drew strength and inspiration from Todd’s journey that pushed me to reach the finish line 7 years ago and I continue to draw strength from his story.
Todd shares his message of courage and faith with others. A few years ago, we had the privilege of recording an interview with Todd to capture his story on video. When asked about the impact of his injuries on his two daughters, Todd became emotional and said no one had ever asked him that question.
He shared the difficulties his oldest daughter experienced and the lasting effects that trauma has had on her life.
“When I was first introduced to Comfort Crew’s resources for families affected by visible and/or invisible injuries, I was overwhelmed. I immediately understood why each component was designed: to increase communication within the whole family, to provide strategies to kids on how they can understand, manage, and express their feelings, and how to ask for support when they need it.
If my precious girls had access to the tools you provide, things might have been much different. Instead, we spent the next 7 years confounded by the issues we had to deal with. Your Comfort Kit would have exposed and addressed those issues in 30 minutes. I am thankful for what you do and want you to be wildly successful in the name of all of those that are sure to follow me.”
Comfort Crew is honored to have Todd’s guidance and support as we work to deliver resources to families healing from trauma. Unfortunately, we have a waiting list of requests for our resources from families due to a gap in funding.
We greatly appreciate your past gifts and hope that you will continue to make a difference in the lives of our military families! Please consider making Comfort Crew for Military Kids part of your season of giving.
Your contribution will have a direct impact on military families like Todd’s this holiday season.
Gratefully,
Ronda Englander
Copyright © 2013 The Comfort Crew
