Jennifer Nelson, featured speaker at caregiver event

In February, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast Inc hosted a caregiver spotlight event at the Air Force Armament Museum featuring Jennifer Nelson, military spouse of wounded warrior Capt. Nate Nelson, USAF, Ret. Family members and professional caregivers were invited and honored for their role in offering hope and healing, courtesy of the White-Wilson Community Foundation Inc. As event plans were finalized, an unrelated inquiry from the Villagomez family was received regarding volunteer opportunities for a teenage military dependent stationed with her family at Eglin AFB.  After a little conversation about ways to help, it was discovered that Floralyn, the daughter, was a gifted artist and the idea for her to create a token of appreciation for Jennifer speaking about her experience was born. Jennifer’s husband Nate, who suffered a spinal cord injury from a rocket blast in Afghanistan when Jennifer was 6 months pregnant, has no movement below his chest and limited use of his hands. Jennifer stayed at two Fisher Houses during Nate’s recovery and their daughter, Eva was born while in the comfort of one of those Fisher Houses.

A few inspirational photos were shared and the final result was this family portrait, unveiled to the Nelson family.  Engaging volunteers in meaningful ways is important and connecting these two military families contributes to the ripple effect, talking points emphasized during the evening regarding the ripple of Nate’s injury forward to the artful blessing by Floralyn.  See all photos here.

Photos courtesy of Carolina Miah Photograhy, isn’t she awesome?  @carolinaQphotography