For many veterans, life throws tragic curveballs that can leave them feeling helpless. This was the case with Bryan Aucremanne, a Vietnam-era Navy veteran referred to Alaska Warrior Partnership (AKWP) by Senator Sullivan’s office for support with his surgery recovery needs.
Bryan suffered from a tumor on his eye that he had scheduled to be removed in December. Unfortunately, tragedy would strike two months prior to his surgery; Bryan’s wife passed away. While dealing with the loss of his wife, Bryan was also faced with the issue of being left alone during his recovery period. Because he had no one to be with him for 24 hours after the surgery, the facility was concerned they would have to cancel. Bryan was rightfully frustrated and upset, especially with the holiday season approaching. This is when AKWP Program Lead, Amanda Marr, was contacted for assistance.
“I was able to work through the loops through the VA to ensure that we got this veteran’s care that he needed, surgery and whatnot, but there was a point of care that we couldn’t cross into from this office. It was the aftercare, there was going to be a cost associated…I didn’t know where to go on that one, so I called Alaska Warrior Partnership.” - Nick Capozzi, Senator Sullivan’s Military & Veteran Advisor
Amanda immediately collaborated with the VA to see what Bryan’s options were for a post-surgical escort. Since no such program existed, AKWP worked with the surgery center and, thanks to generous community donations, was able to cover the home health nurse to assist Bryan in his recovery.
“I didn’t have the money to pay for a registered nurse to be by my side for the 24 hours…they [the community] paid for it.” – Bryan Aucremanne, Navy Veteran
As anticipated, the surgery went well. After 6 weeks of post-op radiation treatment, Bryan is now cancer free and in good spirits. This was a very dark time for Bryan, grieving for his wife and struggling with access to life-saving surgery, all during the holiday season. He admitted that had he not received the support provided by AKWP, he would not have been able to get through it. AKWP is honored to support veterans like Bryan in their time of need and continue to help them heal and thrive in their everyday lives.
Alaska is stronger when our veterans are stronger. Connect with AKWP to learn more about how you can give back to the Alaskan veteran community by visiting our website and completing an online form: http://alaskawarriorpartnership.org/