2018 Looking Back

As I think back over the course of 2018, we had so many exciting events, parties, reflective times, welcomed new families, developed new friendships and even remodeled the court yards of our community. We are so fortunate to work in an environment of trust and love for each other. Our families are very special to us and participate and support us in all that we do.

“Billy” Thompson is a former American football cornerback and safety in the National Football League and was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1969 NFL Draft. He played college football at Maryland State College and was inducted into the Hawk Hall of Fame in 1984.

Billy once again fulfilled a birthday wish for Lawrence and his family. For the past 3 years, Billy has consistently fulfilled a dream with graciousness and love for our residents. He has so much compassion for his outreach in the local community and our residents. We appreciate you and thank you as your kind heart continues to shine.

Brittani Coury, Paralympic Snowboarder is a lifelong snowboarding enthusiast who suffered an ankle injury while snowboarding in her teens that led to multiple surgeries, years of painful rehabilitation, and eventually to amputation. This didn’t stop her from pursuing her passion, after a 10-year break from snowboarding, in 2016 she competed in her first Banked Slalom race (she had only been on snow a mere 14 days as an amputee). This race turned into several more and eventually landed her a spot on the US National Snowboard Team in 2017, a decision based on coaches discretion and the Lords will. She’s won multiple bronze medals and several silvers on the World Cup Circuit leading up to the games in Boardercross and Banked Slalom. At the 2018 Winter Paralympic Games, she won a Silver Medal in Banked Slalom race and was proud to represent her country.

She is also a Registered Nurse who loves her job because she gets the opportunity to help others and can empathize with her patients. She knows what it’s like to suffer hardships, loss, mental fatigue, hope, rehab, and to claim the victory over all the hardships. She wants to be there for others and help them through obstacles they might face.

“My goal as an athlete is to represent my country and faith, perform at the highest competitive level, and inspire others who may suffer from any impairment. I want to be a good role model for my peers and future generations; encouraging them to chase their dreams no matter how big, unrealistic, unimaginable, or hard others may say they are. The journey that led to my amputation has been one of my greatest blessings. It taught me what good family and friends are, and no matter how discouraged and broken on the inside and out I was, there was meaning in every circumstance I had to overcome. If my story and journey have a positive impact on one person, it will make chasing my dream worthwhile. I lost my leg but gained my life in Christ.”

We all have courage and strength and sometimes it just takes a little nudge to shine. So let’s make 2019 a memorable, meaningful year we set aside our differences and show love and support to our fellow man.