The Power of Sport: Fennell's Inspiring Comeback Story
The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System Adaptive Sports Program has significantly enhanced the life of Army Veteran Treasure Fennell. She exemplifies the program's value and actively seeks opportunities to inspire others to participate.
The Adaptive Sports Program enhances health, well-being, and overall quality of life for Veterans with disabilities and those aged 55 and older. The program provides a diverse array of sports clinics throughout the year, offering Veterans numerous options to engage in various activities.
Fennell experienced some hardships in her life when it came to her time in the military and transitioning to civilian life. “Some traumatic things impacted me, it made me not social, not want to be around people, so I just went about doing life,” Fennell said. “The transition out of the military was very difficult, it took me 30 years to adjust.”
While working through these hardships with her therapist, Fennell was asked about her possible interest in the Adaptive Sports Program. She agreed to a consultation for the program, after which Katie Blunk, the Adaptive Sports Coordinator for NF/SG-VHS, reached out to her and this was the beginning of a life changing journey for Fennell.
“Watching Treasure transform has been unbelievable. When we first met, she was only willing to do virtual appointments, and her life was very busy. It took multiple virtual appointments to finally get her to come out to an Adaptive Sport clinic in person. Once she participated, it was as if a spark had ignited, and her fire keeps shining,” said Blunk.
It took some convincing by Blunk to get Fennell there “I don’t swim but I got to kayak, it terrified me, but I did it and I loved it, I didn’t talk much during that specific clinic, but I experienced everything,” said Fennell. “After that experience, when I got home, I was so excited because I had done things I had never done before.”
Fennell was an athlete in high school and early adulthood, but she had not engaged in sports for more than two decades due to personal challenges prior to joining the Adaptive Sports Program. Some of Fennell’s favorite activities to take part in include pickleball and disc golf. “I was miserable, depressed, didn’t want to go anywhere do anything or talk to anybody but once I went to that clinic, lights went off and I have not stopped since,” she said. “That athlete in me had been given a rebirth, it made me so happy, I was meeting people, trying new things.”
Fennell has made many positive changes in her life through the Adaptive Sports Program and met new friends along the line. She credits the program with saving her life. Veterans interested in learning more about the program can talk with their primary care provider. It could be life changing!
For more information on the NF/SGVHS, please visit VA North Florida/South Georgia Health Care | Veterans Affairs.