For Immediate Release
July 6, 2021
How One Man is Changing Lives for People with Physical Disabilities
GRANDVILLE, MI: - Some people are born with a disability and for others, it comes as an unexpected blow that drastically changes your life. In either case, loss of direction or purpose, decrease in self-esteem, the struggle of living with a disability, and feeling bored or helpless are common side effects that cause people with disabilities to be at a higher risk for depression.
Carson Nyenhuis of Grandville, MI found himself in this unexpected situation after a tragic motorcycle accident 5 years ago. He once loved hunting, the outdoors and anything that was fast and thrilling, but after the accident, everything changed. Depression started to take over and life seemed hopeless. However, Carson is one of the lucky with a huge support system of friends and family. His buddies literally picked him up and brought him out into the woods to go hunting in an effort to lift his spirits.
It worked! For just a moment, he was able to forget he was paralyzed from the chest down and take in all the sights and sounds of nature. “Watching the deer walk through the woods when it doesn’t know you’re there is a cool moment,” Nyenhuis said. “It’s hard to explain. It grounds you on a spiritual level – whether that’s to God or the Earth. Watching the deer walk up made me realize that life is great. That evening changed my whole spirit.”
Now his spirit is focused on giving this experience to others that might not be as fortunate. Lack of resources and support, access to hunting land and accommodations, special hunting equipment, cost and knowledge are just a few of the many barriers that make an activity like hunting seem impossible. Hunt 2 Heal (H2H) became a registered non-profit in 2019 with a mission to provide a safe and comfortable environment where people who have been deprived of enjoying the great outdoors can enjoy outdoor experiences at no cost and with no worries.
A barrier free hunting lodge on 640 private acres of hunting land is due to be completed this summer in Bitely, MI. The Hunt 2 Heal program is planning 10 hunting weekends this fall and will host up to 20 hunters this first year.
A Grand Opening Celebration will be taking place on Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 7pm – 9pm at 2402 W. 15 Mile Rd, Bitely, MI. There will be entertainment, s’mores, property and lodge tours, fun and games. Learn more at www.hunt2heal.com/upcoming-events.
About Hunt 2 Heal:
Mission:
Hunt 2 Heal’s mission is to provide a safe & comfortable environment, where people who have been deprived of enjoying the great outdoors can enjoy outdoor experiences at no cost and with no worries.
H2H Program:
Hunt 2 Heal is unique in that we have created an outdoor haven with a dedicated barrier free lodge and square mile property designed for people with physical disabilities.
Our program consists of a full weekend (Friday - Sunday) of hunting, meals, bonfires and other fun activities in the great outdoors. There is an application and selection process we have implemented since our hunting weekends are limited. The opportunity is available to all, with no cost.
Contact:
Kim Monks, Executive Director
(616) 610-0252