Dive Chapter
Bryan Estvanko Bryan Estvanko just finished his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, about to start is Master’s Degree, when he crashed his dirt bike. The accident resulted in him an becoming an incomplete paraplegic. Four years later, Bryan completed his Masters in Structural Engineering. Currently, he works for the Army Corp of Engineers in New…
Roger Nelson Serving as a big crane operator, Army Specialist Roger Nelson, a car accident on post left him paralyzed. The accident broke his back, causing paraplegia. A lifelong swimmer, he misses the water since his accident. However, he looks forward to getting out of his chair and enjoy the ocean blue.
Johnny Clay Fisher, Jr. Johnny Clay Fisher Jr. was in a major car accident that claimed his right leg below the knee. He trains for the 2013 trip, but jump started his training by working with friends and family to sponsor his gear. A truck driver who believes in living life to his fullest, Johnny…
Christina Davidson Despite being born with cerebral palsy, Christina Davidson remains an active 23-year-old. A graduate of the University of Alabama with degrees in Biology and Psychology, Currently, she lives in Albuquerque pursuing medical school. Nevertheless, a 2011 Dive Pirate recipient, she trained at the New Mexico Scuba Center.
Katalyna (Kippa) Weil Injured as a teenager in a car accident, Katalyna (Kippa) Weil still lives a great life with her mother in Albuquerque, NM. They trained together, very excited to be part of the 2010 trip. Written in a book and a TV movie in the 1980’s, Kat’s story will live on. Kat loves…
A native of the Pittsburgh area, Corpsman Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin Hendrikson now lives there, attending nursing school. He has wanted to pursue after being a Navy Corpsman during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Justin always wanted to dive, therefore, Dive Pirates happily trained him after his injury in Iraq. He attended the class of 2010.
Stanley Vigil Stanley Vigil was injured in an unusual surfing accident that led to paralysis from the waist down. He still loves the water and was very excited to learn to dive. He will return in 2010 with his wife, Cheryl, because she sees how fun it is and wants in on the party.
Becca was born in the former Soviet Union and adopted at the age of 7 by Lee Lockhart of St Petersburg, FL. She does not have fully formed hands or feet. However, this never stopped her as she played for her high school volleyball team and took quickly to scuba diving. Recently, she just graduated…
Veronica Padilla lost both legs above the knee in a roadside accident near her home in Albuquerque, NM. A nuclear engineering student, she has a terrific outlook on life. She joined our 2008 trip to Cayman Brac.
Seaman Leland Walker sustained an injury in 1997 in basic training. Leland was certified on the Brac trip in 2007. He lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with his sister, Muzette, who was also one of his dive buddies along with Ollie Waters and Stacey Minton. Leland never quits smiling while he dives.