Courtesy Photo | Honorary Team Army Captain Oren Lara (left), his mom, Catrin (center), and his sister,...... read more read more
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By Annette Coward
Warrior Transition Command
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va - For Catrin Lara, every father’s day is special.
With her husband Sgt. 1st Class Ruben Lara deploying over six times over a 20-year span, she doesn't take anything for granted.
Lara is currently stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and was unable to attend this year’s competition.
“We appreciate every gift we have, we've learned to make lemonade out of lemons,” she said.
Twelve years ago, the Lara family received the best gift all. Their son Oren was born.
“He was born at 25 weeks and suffered many challenges associated with Cerebral Palsy.” He was two pounds and the doctor said he wouldn't survive. He spent five months in the hospital, "she added.
But Oren not only survived, he thrived.
“I knew Oren would tell me when he was ready to be on his own, I knew differently than what the doctors were saying," Lara explained "He pulled out his breathing tube so that was my sign he was going to be alright, this was a major milestone," she said.
In May of 2015, the family received another gift.
After meeting Lt. Col. Aaron Termain, Warrior Transition Battalion commander at Evans Community Hospital, Fort Carson, Colorado, during a routine visit to the hospital, Tremain asked Oren to become Team Army's honorary team captain during the Warrior Games.
“Hes all in,” Lara said. "He's a full-fledge participant. He wears the number 20,” said Lara.
Although Oren speaks with s slight speech impediment, Lara says she understands her son very clearly.
“I know he's excited, I speak Oren!” She chuckled.
But for the Lara family there's an even bigger lesson on and off the court.
“ I have so much respect for adaptive sports. This teaches Oren there's no excuse in life. Whatever are your circumstances, you can do it.“ Lara stated.
Col. Victoria Kilcawley says it's an honor to have Oren as honorary team captain.
“Oren is an example of true adaptive reconditioning focusing on each individual's ability rather than their disability. Adaptive reconditioning programs across all healthcare systems offer adaptive techniques and equipment to assist the tines of newborns and the elderly,” she said.
“Oren is an example for all to follow and we are blessed to have him as our honorary team captain.”
Team Army prevailed over the British Armed Forces 36-31.
“There are no winners or losers. We've taught our son the sky's the limit. We've never said 'why us?' We are grateful." she concluded.
As the game wrapped up, Lara said she received a special message from her husband
“Please tell them I am with them in spirit, we are one!”
| Date Taken: | 06.21.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.26.2015 17:38 |
| Story ID: | 168355 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 103 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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