Page 89 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2026 - Online Magazine

OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE

As Jason's wife, I had the privilege of watching they unknowingly took together. Jason found renewed
that season unfold from a place few others could. I direction through a service dog. Nana found renewed
witnessed not only my husband's journey, but Nana's purpose through serving others. I was blessed to
as well. Looking back, I realize something remarkable witness both, and today I have the privilege of helping
was happening. In many ways, Nana and Jason found carry their story—and their work—forward.
purpose together.
Today, the T6 of West Texas Foundation continues
Jason was rediscovering mission, structure, and through the generosity of individuals, families,
responsibility through his partnership with a service businesses, and community partners who share that
dog. He was not healed, but he was helped. At the same same belief.
time, Nana was discovering a renewed calling of her
own. What began as concern for her grandson became If you find yourself in a season much like the one Nana
her own mission. The more she learned, the more entered after losing Vincent, perhaps her story offers
passionate she became about ensuring other veterans an invitation. There is still important work to be done.
would have access to the same opportunities. There are veterans who need encouragement. Families
who need support. Communities that grow stronger
She embraced that cause with an enthusiasm that when people choose to invest in one another.
inspired everyone around her. That passion eventually
became the substrate for the T6 of West Texas Whether you can give your time, your experience, your
Foundation. relationships, your talents, your resources, or simply
your encouragement, you can become part of a legacy
Veterans often miss the structure, accountability, and that continues to grow.
camaraderie that military service provided. The K9
serves as the catalyst through which handler education, That is a different kind of inheritance.
mentorship, service dog partnerships, and community
engagement help recipients build new foundations One measured not by what we leave behind, but by the
of confidence, responsibility, and connection. By lives we help change while we're here.
strengthening individuals, we help strengthen families
and, in turn, strengthen our communities.

Today, the T6 of West Texas Foundation serves veterans,
first responders, individuals with special needs, and
their families throughout West Texas. While service
dogs are often the most visible part of our work, our
mission reaches much deeper than placing a dog with a
handler.
Although our work has expanded over the years, our
purpose has remained unchanged. We believe that
if something has the ability to restore direction and
purpose to one life, it should be made available to
others.

That belief became Nana's legacy.
Nana passed away in August 2024, in her home and
surrounded by those of us who loved her most. As we
said our goodbyes, we also understood that we had
call or text
call or text
call or text
call or text
call or text
call or text
call or text
call or text
call or text
call or text
call or text
call or text
call or text
call or text
call or text
call or text
inherited a responsibility to continue the work she had call or text
helped begin.
We all learned from Nana that true inheritance has 806.445.2081
nothing to do with the reading of a will. We inherited
her heart, her compassion, and her drive to serve
others.
As I sat down to write this article, I realized I wasn't
simply recording the history of our foundation. I was
honoring two people I love and the remarkable journey
Lubbock Senior Link 89