GRANDVILLE, MI: – Some people are born with a disability, and for others it comes as an unexpected change. In either case, the struggle of living with a disability and feeling helpless are common side effects that cause people with disabilities to be at a higher risk for depression.
Carson Nyenhuis found himself in this exact situation after a tragic motorcycle accident 5 years ago. He loved hunting, the outdoors and anything that was fast and thrilling, but after his accident everything changed. Depression took over and life seemed hopeless. Carson was one of the lucky however, with a huge support system of friends and family. His buddies literally picked him up and brought him out into the woods to go hunting in an effort to lift his spirits.
It worked! For a moment he was able to forget he was paralyzed take in all the sights and sounds of nature. “Watching the deer walk through the woods when it doesn’t know you’re there was still a cool moment me,” Carson said. “It’s hard to explain. It grounds you on a spiritual level – whether that’s to God or the Earth. Watching the deer that day made me realize that life can still be great. That evening changed my spirit.”
Now he’s focused on giving this experience to others that might not be as fortunate. Lack of resources and support, access to hunting land and accommodations, special hunting equipment, cost and knowledge are just a few of the many barriers that make an activity like hunting seem impossible.
Hunt2Heal (H2H) became a registered non-profit in 2019 with a mission to provide a safe and comfortable environment where people who have been deprived of enjoying the great outdoors can enjoy outdoor experiences at no cost and with no worries.
A barrier free hunting lodge on 640 private acres of hunting land is due to be completed this summer in Bitely, MI. The Hunt2Heal program is planning 10 hunting weekends this fall and will host up to 20 hunters this first year.
A Grand Opening Celebration will be taking place on Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 7pm – 9pm at 2402 W. 15 Mile Rd, Bitely, MI. There will be entertainment, s’mores, property and lodge tours, fun and games. Learn more at www.hunt2heal.com/upcoming-events.
