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Disabled Veteran Finds Inspiration from Animal Star of “Dolphin Tale”

The advertisements for the movie about the dolphin with the prosthetic tail are based on a true story. A recent report in Florida Today detailed how a dolphin without a tail inspired a combat veteran without an arm and a leg. As a veteran with disabilities, Russ Marek had a hard time becoming accustomed to his prosthetics. He was in the James Haley Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital in Tampa, and was struggling with using his artificial limbs, which never quite fit as they should.

During one of his check-ups, however, his doctors recommend he visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which is where he first saw Winter and became inspired by the dolphin.

Winter's tail was caught in a crab trap about 3 months after Marek sustained his injuries from a roadside bomb in Iraq. Winter's flipper had to be amputated, so she was learning to swim with a prosthetic tail; something never before done with a dolphin.

Marek saw something very familiar with Winter. She would swim for about 15 minutes and then try to get the prosthetic tail off; a feeling Marek understood well. Winter does not have a choice, however, as she has to swim, which means she has to get used to the prosthetic. During Marek's first visit, he was helped into the pool where he was able to pet Winter. He was the first of "countless" amputee veterans who have followed in his footsteps.

Winter began to serve as inspiration and motivation for many other injured veterans in the Clearwater community. She also has a starring role in the Movie Dolphin Tale, which is based, for the most part, on Winter's life. Both Winter and Marek have made progress in their own ways. Winter swims for about 30 minutes at a time with her prosthetic, and Marek has moved from being dependent on a walker to being able to move around with a cane.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.