Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Father & Army Veteran Granted His Lawnmower Wish

Just in time for Father’s Day, we highlight one retired Army veteran who struggled with his role in the family after a below-the-knee amputation limited his mobility with daily responsibilities around the house.

On June 15, 2012, SGT Sean Karpf, USA was serving as the squad leader for a weapons squad on his second deployment to Afghanistan when he stepped on a pressure plate IED. As a result of the blast, he now has a below-the-knee amputation on his left leg, a compressed disc in his back, and post traumatic stress injury.

After his injury, Sean faced challenges while transitioning home to Florida, depending on his wife and two young children to maintain the household. To be part of his family’s normalcy he wanted to share the load and assist them with the upkeep. Sean enjoyed household maintenance before his debilitating injuries and now wanted nothing more than to be able to mow the lawn. To support his young family, Sean applied to the A Warrior’s Wish® Program for a basic riding lawnmower to help care for their property.
  
Hope For The Warriors® connected Sean and his family to their local Jacksonville, Florida Home Depot to choose a lawnmower and fulfill his Wish. With the guidance of professionals at Home Depot, he was able to identify the perfect lawnmower to comfortably suit his amputation. Hope For The Warriors® purchased the lawnmower and it was delivered to him by the Home Depot team members who assisted him in the store.

With the encouragement of his family and the help of his community, Sean overcame his physical challenges, rejoined his family’s routine, and adjusted to his new life. And with that newfound pride and confidence comes a brighter future. Sean is currently pursuing a degree in Sports Science, with future goals to become an Athletic Trainer or Physical Therapist.

Happy Father’s Day to fathers everywhere, including those who are serving or have served in the military. Your sacrifices and unconditional dedication to family are remembered today and every day.

No comments:

Post a Comment