Semper Fi Fund Helps Marines Year Round

As many gather around for holiday celebrations it is too easy to take for granted those unseen. For many there is a person missing for the first time. For many the celebration is around a hospital bed and thankful for it.

Compassion. Hope. Love. These are words that are linked with Christmas that should be year round for all of us. For those through the Semper Fi Fund they see it year round.

There are many jobs that face the possibility of catastrophic injury each and every day. Police, fire responders, farmers and many other jobs hold incredible risk of death or injury daily. At the top of this list must be our soldiers who respond to and experience things that the majority never have to deal with.

When it goes wrong it gives a bad day new definition. The financial costs can mount up quickly not only in medical expenses but for the families standing by their loved one, often overlooked in every way.

One would think after losing limbs, after being paralyzed or battered that we'd give up but for Marines that isn't an option. Not in work and not in life. Their lives are altered and through the Semper Fi Fund it's a chance to give a hand up. It allows sports to reach injured soldiers. It allows for adapted equipment and homes for heroes.

In the height of the holiday season there's an easy way to give to this incredible program and it's less than a soda or cup of coffee. You even get something back. Stephen Cochran has been that injured Marine facing a new - and altered - life. He didn't give up but is giving back, lending his song "Alone On Christmas" as a 99cent download with 100% of the funds going directly to the Semper Fi Fund. Of the Marines Stephen says "Everything they did for me structured my life and gave me the drive to know that I can do anything I want to do."

From running to skating to music there are many ways people are honoring these heroes. Most of us won't miss $1 or $5 but enough people giving makes a big difference for those in need. It might help a family be together on Christmas, it provides individual and family support, it helps provide adaptive housing and transportation and specialized equipment. These things help give a small bit of independence and 'normal' to a situation that is anything but. It also can provide therapeutic arts outlets, PTSD support and helps with Team Semper Fi, an athletic competition.

The need is great. The amount is small. "Alone on Christmas" allows giving back in a small way - with just a few clicks of your mouse. Help change a life today.