US Military Veteran’s Story of Triumph over Disability Inspires Movie

US military veteran Staff Sergeant Russ Marek returned from Iraq minus a right arm and leg, never thinking he'd get used to life with prosthetics. After years of exams and treatments he still struggled to adjust to the uncomfortable nature of his artificial limbs.

Jack Smith, a volunteer at the VA hospital where Marek received treatment, saw an unlikely opportunity to help. He invited Marek to meet a unique dolphin with a similar story, at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida where Smith also volunteers.

It was at the aquarium that Marek met his inspiration - Winter, a dolphin with an amputated tail. She had been caught in a crab trap 3 months after Marek had been injured. A dolphin can't survive without a tail fin, so veterinarians outfitted her with a prosthetic tail.

Marek saw Winter adapting to her new tail. She struggled at first but eventually became accustomed to the device. It was this determination that gave Marek the inspiration to learn to live with his own disability and get over his frustrations.

This inspiring story of dolphin and veteran was so unique that a movie deal was struck to produce "Dolphin Tale" in Fall 2011. Marek hopes the movie will help build better acceptance for people and animals with prosthetics.

Both Marek and Winter continue to progress with their respective treatments. Marek now uses a cane instead of a walker and Winter continues to improve the amount of time she can swim with her prosthetic tail.

You Have the Power to Help a Disabled American Veteran!

Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities.