716 282 2225
10th Annual Veterans Appreciation Day
4455 Porter Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14305
In 2014, Dr. Kristin Jacobsen initially founded Hands Healing Heroes to address the health needs of Veterans during the VA crisis when our service men and women were waiting weeks to months for much needed treatment. She wanted to do what she could to help the situation and made a commitment to provide complimentary chiropractic care for anyone who was wounded or injured during combat for as long as they need care, and as long as she is in practice.
Within a month, a group of Dr. Jacobsen’s patients caught the patriotic fervor, and together, they increased the organization’s ability to support our local Veterans, as well as those still in active duty. Every year since, they have celebrated our Veterans with the Annual Veterans Appreciation Day each September with a party offering free meals to Veterans and their immediate families. Veterans are offered haircuts, massages, award searches….all for FREE as a show of our sincere appreciation for their service to our great country. It is our way of stepping up to demonstrate gratitude in action for their service, sacrifice and honor.
Where It All Started
I was running in a half marathon in 2014. At the first water station, the pace runner called out, “Make sure you thank your veterans serving you today!” I was shocked; these men and women who have sacrificed so much for us already in signing on to defend and serve our country, risking everything, are here handing us water?
I then saw that the pacer’s shirt was a recognition for Wounded Warriors. My mind shifted to the VA scandals, to the fact that private organizations have to step in to better ensure the care of our wounded heroes. I thought of the disgrace, the political mess, and the ones who suffer the final blows of such.
But then it struck me … I am every bit as much of a representative of the United States of America as Joe Politician. And what am I doing to change this? Complaining and griping places me no further than the politicians and government. Mind shift: I must act!
As long as I am blessed to stand behind Jacobsen Chiropractic & Wellness, any veteran injured in combat while in active duty will receive their care on me. I don’t want their insurance. I don’t want their copay. If I have to open extra hours on Saturdays, that sacrifice is nothing in comparison to those each of our heroes has made, and one I feel honored to make.
In watching Band of Brothers for the fourth time around, I see the difference in our cultures. Back then was a time of honor, integrity, and community. Today carries a selfish, what’s in-it-for-me attitude. My goal is to make this giving back-to heroes who rightfully deserve it-a national shift in mindset. I hope as many people as possible copy this idea, no matter the profession. And if you don’t have a business yourself, offer to make a supper, mow a lawn, paint their child’s room, give a gift card to the supermarket…anything, even if just a sincere “thank you” with a handshake.
As a parent, I have an obligation to be an example-in action, not lip service. It’s my best hope for making this world a better place for her to grow up. I think this is a good start. Then I think of the children of wounded vets, how affected would they be in seeing their parent treated like the hero he or she truly is?
Let’s make a change. Light the fire here in Buffalo and Niagara. Let’s prove we really are “The city of good neighbors.”
As long as I am blessed to stand behind Family Chiropractic, any veteran injured in combat while in active duty will receive their care on me. I do not want their insurance. I do not want their copay. If I have to open extra hours on Saturdays, that sacrifice is nothing in comparison to those each of our heroes has made, and one I feel honored to make.