Dear HHV,

What a great organization - WOW!

Several years ago I was a patient at the Tampa, Florida VA medical center where I picked up a small HHV paint by number kit. I completed it, and then entered it in a competition. It won first place!

That was something I am to this day very proud of. I still have the painting and keep it as a motivator because I have a slight case of Parkinson’s. As such I have trouble holding things. I do [the HHV kits] for fun, but mainly for the therapeutic value, as I also suffer carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands and endure vision impairment. All are the result of a head injury suffered while on active duty in Okinawa in 1974.

I have received HHV models, ceramics, latch hook rug kits, a mantle clock and bead kits to name a few. The bead kits have become a bit of an obsession, and I now design bead art pictures which hang in private collections throughout the United States.

I also enjoy sending the donor thank you postcards and have sent cards to people in every state of the union as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. I’ve received thank-you letters from gracious HHV donors and have about six active pen pals. I’ve even met one of them!

In conclusion, HHV is a GREAT organization and you have GREAT people in Tampa who are always encouraging and reassuring us when occasionally our kits do not turn out quite the way they should.

Sincerely,

Don A., Florida

Note: The images above are photos of original artwork created by the writer and submitted to HHV. The posting of these images is not an endorsement by HHV of the New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders or the National Football League. They are in recognition of the artistic talents of the veteran patient that submitted the story.

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