IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
The sport of scuba diving can be limitless. It is more than just a sport, it is a dream come true, a world beyond compare. It is a sea filled with a multitude of fascination.
Being able to put on your scuba gear and take a giant leap off the back of the boat becomes second nature once you master the skill. But what if you were unable to do it that easily?
There is a nonprofit organization founded in 2001 that understands just how magical scuba diving can be. This organization which brings a whole new meaning to life is known as Diveheart Organization. Their motto is truly uplifting and inspiring; ‘Imagine the Possibilities’. They bring happiness to the heart of so many and a smile to the faces of those that believe. Their mission is simple yet direct; to build confidence and independence in children, adults and veterans with disabilities using SCUBA diving as a tool. You will never ever hear the word “can’t” uttered because the spirit of the Diveheart Organization is more like “I can do.”
This organization helps the war veteran or the teenager born with a disability to overcome the everyday challenges and defeat their fears. As soon as they enter the water with an anxious thrill and throes of excitement, it is as if they are flying. The ocean becomes a weightless environment just like outer space, giving perfect buoyancy to those that would otherwise be struggling on land. The purpose of Diveheart is to provide and support educational SCUBA diving, surface supplies gas (SSG), snorkeling and related experience programs which are open to any child, adult, or veteran with a disability with the hope of providing both physical and psychological therapeutic value to that person, while building confidence, independence and self esteem … enriching their quality of life and human spirit. Their vision is clear and realizes six important concepts:
FACILITATE NEW DISABLED DIVE PROGRAMS AROUND THE WORLD….
ACT AS A REFERRAL SERVICE TO EXISTING DISABLED DIVE PROGRAMS….
CONSULT, SUPPORT & BUILD NEW DISABLED DIVE PROGRAMS…….
PROMOTE DISABLED DIVING TO THE WORLD…
SUPPORT OTHER EXISTING DISABLED DIVE PROGRAMS….
FACILITATE DIVE TRIPS & OTHER ACTIVITIES FOR DISABLED DIVERS……..
One of the newest aspects of Diveheart as was highlighted at the recent DEMA (Diving Equipment Manufacturers Association) Show which took place in Orlando, Florida at the beginning of November, was the newest training program, ‘Reinventing Adaptive Scuba.’ With a whole set of training material encompassing Adaptive Instructor, Diver and Buddy Training, more and more divers will have a desire to volunteer which ultimately helps to give so many more disabled divers a more fulfilled life. The manuals are clear and concise and give volunteers the tools they need to start to bring joy to these new disabled divers.
Not only do those with disabilities have a wonderful journey but you will as well knowing that you brought a very special experience to someone and bridged the world of diving to others who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to ever experience for themselves.
Working diligently to give this gift to those with disabilities is Diveheart founder, Jim Elliott. He works with an unbelievably great group of people and just speaking with him you can see and feel how much his work means to him and to those who come under his wing. He has proudly grown the organization far beyond a local or national level, spanning the globe and and thankful for all of his volunteers. The Duke Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Environmental Physiology is very proud to be able to offer medical consultation and research guidance to Diveheart as it pursues its goals of offering training to divers of all levels, particularly those injured during military service.
What’s more, it isn’t just about diving. There are also events that bring people even closer together in friendship such as luaus, golf outings and even open trips to exotic dive destinations such as Cozumel, Mexico.
Some of the generous sponsors that believe in the goodness of Diveheart and how they change lives are Doubletree, Southwest Airlines, DiveTech in Grand Cayman, DiveBar (Underwater Bar Association), Enterprise and so many more.
Diveheart and Diveheart Military Wounded unveil a whole new underwater world. With every donation given, it goes directly to fund research, rehabilitation, educational training and provide vocational opportunities for those with disabilities. No challenge is too large whether it be autism, Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, traumatic brain injuries, amputations or spinal cord injuries. A well-trained staff with a gift of compassion for others is all it takes.
There are so many ways to get involved. Shop the website for some cool holiday gifts, make a donation, become a volunteer, participate in a fundraiser. There are simply no boundaries when it comes to the Diveheart Organization.
You might describe it as sharing and making magic for others of a different sort. Visit www.diveheart.org and spread the word.
PHOTO CREDITS: Diveheart Website
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