You Are The Miracle

Upon my last visit to the U.S, I had the pleasure of being invited to a two day conference with Acadia Health and Sierra Tucson in AZ, by my dear friends, Joe Collins and Bill Mazur of Acadia Health. It truly was the experience. On arrival to Tucson I was among many, many friends that I have built up relationships with over the last few years. It truly was a meeting of the minds and with fellow organizations that help our Heroes. I was honored to be a part of it.

I had heard so much about Sierra Tucson, particularly as one of the Irish Angel Family has been through the program and couldn't speak more highly of the care he received whilst he was there. So when the opportunity came along to attend the conference I knew I had too.

I can't stress the importance of going to and experiencing just what these impressive facilities have to offer for our Heroes. We were met with the phenomenal team of Doctors and clinicians. It was great to actually sit with them all collectively and see just the different elements to the facility and how the program flows. We learned so much surrounding structure and different treatments which are tailor-made to give the best care to our First Responders and professionals.

As I entered the grounds of Sierra Tucson, I couldn't help notice a sign upon entering the gate which read "Expect a Miracle." I loved it, straight out the gate it was the expectation of positive growth. The tour of the facility was beautiful, from accommodation, to amenities to the breath taken scenery. It had everything from equestrian therapy, to incredible physical, outdoor programs holistic therapies and all the intense treatments needed for recovery and wellness. It truly proved to be a special place. An experience where I felt relaxed and at ease. The best thing was we got to participate in some of the outdoor wellness treatments. All of us that attend the conference got participate in team building exercise that really made you stop, take that breath and analyze yourself. You also had to ensure you helped your team whilst finding how you are internally as an individual and get an understanding as to why you are the personality you are and if you need to change things about yourself to help sustain a healthy mindset. It was an extremely interesting concept and simplistic too , but affective and so much fun!!

The one thing I noticed about Sierra Tucson was the staff actually cared so much about their patients, It was reflective in their smiles and attitude towards us being in their space. The great thing was that Sierra has retired First Responders that work alongside the Doctors most of which have entered the field themselves after been through recovery and have a clear understanding of what is needed when it comes to their fellow brothers and sisters being understood and cared for. It is so important to have that in facilities such as Sierra Tucson. It is the fundamental key to being able to communicate best with the First Responder and Veteran communities. It makes them feel comfortable in knowing a fellow brother or sister has been through similar and come out the other side. "Hope" is what is needed when you take the step to wellness. Who better to give them "Hope" then their fellow brothers or sisters.

The level of care was outstanding and the respect that the team have for one another and their patients is amazing. Sierra Tucson truly is a top tier facility. If you would like to learn more about Sierra Tucson, please head to their website https://www.sierratucson.com, and reach out they will be only too happy to help you with any information needed.

As we said good bye to Sierra Tucson, my eyes were drawn to the exit sign at the gate, which said "You Are The Miracle." It made me feel somewhat emotional, because there are so many of you out there, who are hurting and feel caught up in all the pain and hurt that you carry around daily, I know this too well as I did myself for the longest time. When we take on so much it is easy to forget who you are and what your value is. It takes a lot to find the courage to reach out for change. But as the sign said on the way in, "expect a miracle" the reality is you had the strength to walk through the doors of Sierra, to fight for the most important person you know "YOU." That is the miracle, you are the miracle.

I want to say a very special thanks to my very dear friends Joseph Collins and William Mazur for inviting me along to learn so much more about Acadia Healthcare and Sierra Tucson , The conference truly did bring so many of us together that want so much to help our Heroes and in doing so it too in turn helped grow Irish Angel. Whilst there it helped solidify our new chapter in N..J South as two of my very dear friends where there also that are going to be the driving force behind Irish Angel in N..J South Sheriff Eric Scheffler and CEO of Resilient Minds On The Front Lines, Inc. , Mr. Michael Pellegrino . So to say amazing things came from this visit is an understatement.

Watch out for 2023 as we grow our reach by opening chapters in Chicago, North Jersey with my very dear friend Chief anthony manna and Brian Gillespie, CPRS and one in Virginia. The more we learn, the more we grow, the more we grow the more we can help "Protect Our Protectors."

Gratitude plays a huge part of wellness, be grateful for the little things in life. I for one am grateful for each and every one of you and the Irish Angel Family. Special Thanks to Acadia Health and Sierra Tucson, for your hospitality and the care you provide for our Heroes each and every day. Remember guys "YOU are the miracle."

If you need any help at all please reach out to us at Irish Angel.

Much Love & Respect from your Irish Angel.