Lakeshore Launches “Operation Down Home” Family Camp

As part of its ongoing commitment to injured military, Lakeshore Foundation is extending its outreach programs to include the families of those who have sustained severe physical injuries.

While Lakeshore’s Operation Rise and Conquer has provided an opportunity for one individual to accompany the injured veteran, there was no opportunity to include the entire family. Children learned second-hand about Dad or Mom’s accomplishments water-skiing or rock wall climbing, heard tales of the zip line, but didn’t have the opportunity to witness the events first-hand and share in the victory.

Mandy Goff, coordinator of Lakeshore’s injured military programs, said, “We saw this gap, this need and knew we had to address it. That’s when the idea for Operation Down Home began.”

The camp will be held July 15 to 18. There is no charge for severely-injured veterans and their families, with meals, lodging and air and ground transportation included. The camp is open to families of four with children ages 7 and older. (Provisions for larger families are made on an individual basis.)

“For kids to see other kids whose parents had sustained severe injuries makes them realize they are not alone,” Goff said. ”Let’s face it, they may be the only kids in their school or town dealing with this issue, of feeling that their family is “different”. Our goal is to dispel that feeling of isolation and allow them to participate with their parents in recreational activities.”

Brian Hicks and his family know just how important that can be.

In 2003, Hicks, an Army engineer for a medical unit in Iraq, sustained an injury that caused long-term nerve damage and loss of all sensation in his left leg. The problem intensified as time passed, with little to no blood flow to his leg. His sons, Justin and Joel, were ages 7 and 8 at that time.

Fast forward five years and a dozen surgeries later.  In 2008, after still showing no improvement, Brian and his wife, Teresa, met with his doctor to discuss further options: even more surgeries or amputation. Brian did not delay long in choosing. He soon underwent what he refers to as “Operation Lucky 13,” the surgery to amputate his leg.

“Pain rips your life apart,” he said, “and affects your family. I spent five years in and out of hospitals. My wife has been incredibly strong throughout the entire ordeal. But, in some respects, it was harder on her and the boys than on me. And even after the physical injury is handled, there are psychological issues that continue to affect everyday life.”

While driving through Birmingham one day, Hicks noticed a sign for Lakeshore Foundation. Shortly thereafter, he signed up for Operation Rise and Conquer. “Because we lived nearby, my wife and sons were able to accompany me,” he said. “They watched me water ski and scuba dive. And their reaction when I topped the climbing wall and came down the zip line was ‘Wow, Dad, that’s awesome.’

Since then, I have attended the U.S. Paralympic Military Sports Camp at Lakeshore and have completed 15 triathlons.  I plan to compete in the National Para-triathlete Championship this summer, and also in the International World Championship in Budapest this fall.

“Lakeshore’s new family camp will allow more families to experience what we did,” Hicks said. “And with the new housing options provided by Operation Lakeshore, families will soon be staying in duplexes and cottages, not in dorms with bunk beds.”

He concluded, “I cannot emphasize enough how important it was for us to have fun again as a family, for my wife and sons to see what I could do – not what I couldn’t. It had an incredibly positive effect on us.”

Injured Military Programs Offered by Lakeshore Foundation

• Operation Down Home – for injured military and their families.
• Operation Night Vision – for veterans who have suffered significant eye injuries or blindness.
• Operation Rise & Conquer - outdoor adventure camp for recently injured military.
• Operation Alpha - for veterans with recent and severe traumatic brain injuries.
• U.S. Paralympic Military Sports Camp – introduces participants to the competitive sports in the Paralympic Games.
• Operation Endurance – provides free Lakeshore Foundation membership to .local injured military.