Announcing the Veteran Challenge Projects for CAMVETS Fall 2019

Written By Challenge America .

Challenge America is gearing up for the biannual Challenge America: Makers for Veterans (CAMVETS) program this fall in Cleveland, OH.

CAMVETS enlists the talents of experts from the private, public and social sectors who come together to create innovative solutions to the unmet needs of injured Veterans. This fall, they will form 10 teams dedicated to the specific challenges of 10 injured Veterans. These are the Veterans who will inspire new innovations that can then go on to help many others facing similar challenges. 

“I’ve regained confidence in my mobility and activity and a positive increase in my self-esteem and overall self-confidence. Everything the CAMVETS team did assuaged any fears I had and made it a lot easier to suck up my pride and really benefit, and I can’t thank you enough for that. I now have my hope back - hope for the future, hope that people care, and you proved that they do. I certainly want to be active and involved with future CAMVETS. You changed my life and allowed me to meet an amazing group of people I proudly call friends.”

— CHRIS, CAMVETS VETERAN

CAMVETS FALL 2019 VETERAN CHALLENGE TEAMS

TEAM SELINA: Getting Back to Volunteer Work

Army Veteran, Selina suffers from a condition called Ehlers Danlos. She loves to volunteer, but the physical work has caused her arms to develop tendon tears. She is looking for an assistive device that will enable her to perform some volunteer tasks again, while preventing further injury.

TEAM Z: Getting on a Motorcycle Again

Army and Marine Corps Veteran, Charles (AKA “Z”) survived three tours in Iraq without injury, but was hit by a drunk driver during leave. Since losing his entire left leg, Z most misses the sense of connection and freedom that he gets from riding a motorcycle. His team will work on adjustments to his prosthetic leg that allow him to straddle a bike.

TEAM ANNMARIE: Biking with Her Service Dog

Air Force Veteran, AnnMarie used to race bikes and competed in triathlons, but stopped riding after she got her service dog, Leigh Ann. Her goal is to get back on her bike, but she needs a solution that would allow Leigh Ann to accompany her safely.

TEAM BILL: Exercising on His Own

Air Force Veteran, Bill has a central nervous system movement disorder, which includes spasticity and paralysis. Doing leg exercises daily helps to manage the spasms, but he is not able to do them on his own. He is looking for a way to independently get his exercises in every day.

TEAM SILVIA: Managing Finances & Depression

Now in the Air Force Reserves, Silvia endured a sexual assault during her service that has derailed her career goals and many life plans. Now her goal is to be as healthy as possible, and that includes financial health with the dream of owning her own home for her and her daughter.

TEAM ROB: Extra-Skeletal Hand Grip

Army Veteran, Robert was involved in a motor vehicle accident in 1983 that rendered him a C5 quadriplegic. Rob feels that achieving effective, extra skeletal grip would improve his quality of life immensely.

TEAM ASSAF: A Portable Seat Cushion

Israeli Defense Forces Veteran and above-the-knee amputee, Assaf is not able to sit down for long periods, as it generates tremendous pain in his amputated limb. He is looking for a seat cushion to relieve this pain by supporting his limb.

TEAM DIGI 2.0: Digital Service Dog App

This past Spring, Team Ginger created a mobile and smartwatch application designed to help Ginger to get out of the house and do the things that make her happy. Now the goal is to make DiGi available to all Veterans and others struggling with similar challenges for free on the App Store.

TEAM MILITARY SISTERHOOD INITIATIVE

As part of the Military Sisterhood Initiative (MSI) to forge a national peer support network for women of the military, the team will create an online platform where military sisters can connect with one another, share resources, and give voice to their collective strength.

Challenge America .
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