NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — The organization Hands Healing Heroes held a Veterans Appreciation Day in Niagara Falls. This annual Veterans Day event is a way of saying thank you without having a reason or cause.
For the past 11 years, Hands Healing Heroes has put on this event. It started when the founder and president of the organization, Dr. Kristin Jacobsen, wanted to address the health needs of Veterans during the VA crisis when our service men and women were waiting weeks to months for much needed treatment.
She starting giving free chiropractic care at her practice to any veterans injured or wounded in combat. When her other patients heard about, they wanted to help out too.
Every year, veterans are invited to come out and eat food, meet other veterans and participate in their basket raffles. They also receive free hair hair cuts, massages and transportation to and from the event if they need it.
"You know I've gotten to know them. We do the database. I've gotten to know the names and people over the years. I just can't wait to see them. I think the most important thing is the smile on their faces," Mary DeBacco, the secretary of Hands Healing Heroes, said.
"I was able to talk to other veterans who understand what I've been through, what they've been through," said Charles Speary, a Vietnam veteran.
"It's good to be together with other veterans and celebrate the fact that we are still alive," said John DiLaura, a World War 2 veteran.
This year, there was over 350 people who came to this event from all across Western New York. A few years ago they moved to the Niagara Falls High School's gym to keep up the interest of this event.