On Dec. 5, 2011, Willie Rice got the call that every mom fears most: Her 30-year-old son Marcus, who was serving in Afghanistan, collapsed from a heart attack and seizure. Willie immediately boarded a plane to be at her son’s bedside where doctors delivered the heart-wrenching news that Marcus may never be able to breathe on his own again.
Over the next few months Marcus began to improve and started responding to treatments, but the lack of oxygen to his brain caused paralysis from the waist down and weakness in his arms. Although doctors advised Willie to put Marcus in a nursing home, she never lost faith that her son would recover.
After all he has endured, it is hard for Willie to watch Marcus struggle daily because their current living arrangement is not wheelchair-accessible. She cannot wait for the day her son regains his independence when he receives his specially adapted custom home.
Your support for our mission not only helps our Veterans, it also brings hope and relief to mothers like Willie knowing their children are living comfortably and safely. We would like to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to Willie and all mothers whose love for their children withstands the darkest days.
You can show appreciation to the resilient women in your life by making a tribute gift in their honor.