Empower Heroes to Heal: Support H.O.O.V.E.S. This Giving Tuesday
By the time Drake finished his 5-day Healing Intensive at H.O.O.V.E.S., the man who arrived ready to die had rediscovered something powerful — peace, purpose, and a reason to live.
When he went home to Washington, his wife noticed it first.
She said he seemed lighter.
There was warmth in his voice again.
But what happened next took all of us by surprise.
Drake:
“When I went on the Miles 2 Freedom bike ride, something just broke open. The fresh air, the laughter — it felt like joy was riding with me. I got off that bike, dropped to my knees, and just started crying because I was so happy to be alive.”
“When I went on the Miles 2 Freedom bike ride, something just broke open. The fresh air, the laughter — it felt like joy was riding with me. I got off that bike, dropped to my knees, and just started crying because I was so happy to be alive.”
That was the moment he knew he wanted to live — and to give back.
He moved across the country to join our team, determined to help other veterans find what he found here.
Drake’s story is proof that the healing you make possible doesn’t fade — it grows stronger.
It’s also the kind of transformation the Veterans Affairs study confirmed this year:
- PTSD scores dropped below the clinical threshold, and continued falling even months later.
When you give to H.O.O.V.E.S., you’re funding something rare — healing that lasts.
And today on GIVINGTUESDAY, that impact is doubled.
Every dollar you give today will be matched to support our 2026 programs — bringing veterans into the same arena where Drake’s life changed.
Every gift creates more moments like his:
- A horse walking toward someone who’s ready to give up.
- A breath that becomes a turning point.
- A life that becomes a beacon for others.
When you give today, you’re not just funding a program.
You’re helping another hero find the same freedom Drake found on that bike.
You’re helping someone remember that life is still worth living.
From all of us at H.O.O.V.E.S. — and from Drake, who’s now helping others heal — thank you for being part of the miracle.
With gratitude,
Amanda Held and the H.O.O.V.E.S. Family