Message from the President

I CAN SAY I KNEW HER WHEN...

Diveheart is so blessed to have a writer like Dan Barrett capture the imagination of Diveheart readers with his eloquent prose on a monthly basis. 

His story below on Deborah Dudek is as inspirational as it is accurate. 

I met Debbie before she was an openwater diver and had the fulfilling experience ( as her instructor ), of helping her complete her Openwater thru Divemaster training.  

As rewarding as the early part of her journey was, there was no way I could be prepared for what awaited. 

Her passion for diving and helping others grew with her professionalism.her commitment and tenacity were inspiring...and her enthusiasm was infectious.

When she became an openwater scuba instructor I was delighted.  When she achieved course director status November of 2006 with the Handicapped Scuba Association. I was in Awe.

Debbie's certification as an H.S.A. instructor trainer now gives Diveheart the unique distinction of being one of the only organizations in the world to have two active H.S.A. Course Directors on staff.

The goal is for Diveheart to have ten or more H.S.A. instructor trainers under our direction.  Why? Because Diveheart can then touch the lives of even more children and adults with disabilities around the world.

Join me in congratulating the amazing woman whose greatest joy is to put a smile on the face of a disabled child or adult...as she helps them experience the "weightless wonder of the water column".

At Diveheart, we're thankful to share in her journey ... as she helps us all continue to do Great Things ...

Jim Elliott
President of Diveheart

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Diveheart Newsflash Feature Story

I Won't Give Up On You

By Dan Barrett

Ask anyone at Diveheart to name a single individual who embodies all that is good and unique in what we do and how we do it, and you'll probably receive a short, alliterative response: Deb Dudek.

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