Comfort for Americas Uniformed Services

The Cause Massage/Reiki/Reflexology program continues to play a pivotal role in the reintegration and resiliency of our wounded, ill and injured service members and their caregivers. Studies have shown that injured service members are increasingly seeking out Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) as a way to battle the stress and pain of both physical and mental wounds of war. In an ongoing effort to address the critical needs of the wounded service members and their families, Cause continues to offer CAM to complement the care they receive at military medical facilities. In 2019, Cause conducted Massage/Reiki/Reflexology programs in two locations: Fort Belvoir (VA), Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (MD). As an extension of the Walter Reed program, we also provide sessions on one day each month at Operation Homefront's Transitional Housing facility in Gaithersburg, MD. A total of 715 treatment sessions were given in 2019, and over 16,145 treatments have been given since the inception of the program. Based on program surveys, participants noted an overall average decrease in pain of 37% and an overall average decrease in stress of 57%.

Special Events: Game Carts: In 2019, Cause supplied (19) game carts to wounded service members recovering or receiving treatment at eight locations nationwide (Brook Army MC-San Antonio, TX; Audie Murphy VA Polytrauma Center, TX; McGuire VA Medical Center, VA; Dingell VA Medical Center, MI; Washington, DC VA Medical Center, Womack Army MC, Ft. Bragg, NC; Soldier and Family Assistance Center, Ft. Belvoir, VA; and the Warrior Transition Unit, Building 62, at Walter Reed). These game carts have a therapeutic function in physical therapy as well as providing essential entertainment to warriors who have limited mobility due to recent injury and surgeries and their families. Wellness Gift Packs: Cause continues to deliver informational and therapeutic gift packs to wounded, ill and injured service members undergoing treatment and recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda and Fort Belvoir in VA, as well as to their caregivers during Caregiver Fairs. These gift packs contain information on wellness, sleep hygiene, stress reduction, resilience, and information related to Post Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury. We also included some comfort items. In 2019, Cause delivered a total of 30 gift packs. UFC Nights: Cause provides wounded warriors the opportunity to watch pay-per-view Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events at the Ft. Belvoir and Walter Reed USO facilities. We hosted 11 UFC Events at Ft. Belvoir and an additional 11 at Walter Reed. The events included a warm meal, prize giveaways, and an atmosphere of camaraderie. These events continue to be a popular social opportunity at both locations, with an annual total of 377 warriors served. Family Fun Night: Each month, Cause hosts a monthly Family Fun night at Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, and Quarterly at Ft. Belvoir in VA. The event includes crafts, guest character appearances, stories or other activities. These events are organized and staffed entirely by volunteers, and allow injured service members to spend quality time relaxing and doing crafts with their children. In 2019, these events served 360 individuals.