“When I was diagnosed with MS, I thought my life was over, I didn’t leave my house, I was so mad at this hand life had dealt me. After I met the Dive Pirates I realized I had a whole lot to see and do in this world, they saved my life.”
Those are the words of former Army Specialist John Kennedy in 2016, a recipient of the Dive Pirates Foundation who arrives by wheelchair Saturday to once again spend the week diving and enjoying time with his wife and friends diving the reefs off the shores of Cayman Brac. He is one of 6 returning recipients, joining 9 new recipients, their buddies, instructors and friends comprising the 2019 annual dive trip with the Dive Pirates Foundation.
This year’s theme, Siren’s Song – Call to Adventure, celebrates the call the ocean has over all of us, and the nurturing affects the water offers making it accessible to those whose arms and legs may not be as mobile as others. From June 22 through June 29, 2019 the pirates will be rekindling friendships, starting new ones, and enjoying an adaptive sport that includes able-bodied and disabled divers alike to enjoy the same thrill of freedom, wildlife and beauty.
Trip goers will be enjoying five days of diving with three dives each day with Reef Divers II, as well as games, contests, and enjoying the grounds of the Cayman Brac Beach Resort.
“Each one of our recipients has a unique story, but one common theme seems to resonate with all of them; they suffered a life-altering injury, and had two choices, let it consume them or persevere,” Dive Pirates Director of Communications Theresa Cortez said. “We are humbled and honored to a part of that journey focusing on celebrating what we all can do, not our limitations.”
