Let me tell you why We Defy Foundation is such so important. I am a United States Marine Corps veteran who served 13 years before being medically retired for Traumatic Brain Injury, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. For a decade after being retired I struggled with a lack of purpose, and a sense of disconnect from the civilian population. I struggled getting out and wanting to engage with people outside of my home/family because I didn’t think that anyone could understand or relate to what I have been dealing with. I was on many different medications which seemed to rob me of my sense of who I am or motivation to be more than I currently was. Along my path I found Brazilian Jiu Jitsu(BJJ) and the We Defy Foundation. Through these, I found a community that I had been looking/striving for without even knowing it. BJJ taught me that I can have control of my body, mind, and even life. I found a sense of camaraderie that I had missed so much from my time in the Marines. I began to want to become more fit in all aspects of my life. I don’t mean just physically fit, but mentally also! I found myself more control of my emotions which I needed so badly. I have found myself becoming a better man, husband, father, and follower of my Lord, Jesus Christ. Every year, I host fundraisers for We Defy Foundation because it is such an amazing stepping stone for disabled veterans to be able to get out from under a system which tells them that they are “BROKEN.” We Defy Foundation helps veterans to overcome their disabilities/ailments through a supportive and loving community which pushes the veterans to prove to those who have told them that they are broken that they aren’t and that they can grow to new levels above what you could’ve only imagined. PROVE THEM WRONG!