PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

In Memory of a Divemaster…… a must read……

I think what I love the most about Diveheart, is how it brings out the humanity in us all.

It's incredible to watch Instructors, buddies and volunteers selflessly helping a disabled child or veteran to meet that next challenge no matter how small it may seem.

And it is so rewarding to see the encouragements….the challenges….the smiles and tears of joy when that diver takes the next step toward their goal to scuba dive.

We've been blessed at Diveheart to have many outstanding human beings step up to aid us in our quest to touch the lives of children, adults and veterans with disabilities through the sport of scuba diving.

Matt Johnston is one….Muscular Dystrophy has ravaged his body but not his spirit and at thirty he continues to forge forward to live his dream of scuba diving and to share that dream with others who have disabilities.

Cindy Ludeman, former Diveheart board member and dear friend was taken by cancer this last year, but her memory and joyous spirit live within the walls of Diveheart headquarters reminding us each day that the gift of life is a precious thing that we must not squander on selfish endeavors……but rather share to enrich the lives of others….

Dan Barrett, Diveheart secretary and newsletter editor has once again captured the essence of his subject …..a young diver who is unfortunately no longer with us. A Divemaster not only in name but in deeds and character……Like many of us ….a unique individual who's spirt was misunderstood until he found his passion in the weightless wonder of the water column……

Jim Elliott
President of Diveheart

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Diveheart Newsflash Feature Story

In Memoriam

By Andy Birtley

Why do we dive? Most would answer it’s because another world awaits us under the sea. For some, it’s one of odd, brilliant sights and mystery, one where strange creatures and things inhabit the depths, waiting to be discovered. For the disabled diver, however, it’s also one of freedom and promise, a chance to leave earthly limitations behind. The commonality is that diving offers transcendence, an opportunity to abandon limitations, to become more than we are on land.

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