Nine wounded warriors were among 15 Dive Pirates who took the plunge into the ocean at the Cayman Islands this month. Leaving their prosthesis, crutches and wheelchairs on shore, the divers all enjoyed the freedom that water provides. 'Water is a great equalizer. It takes the pressure off people confined to a wheelchair," said Theresa Cortez who volunteers for Dive Pirates. "It's so great when these adaptive divers emerge after swimming over a ship wreck. They tell us they feel like they're flying…as if they are completely mobile," she said. Cortez' sister, Barbara Thompson started Dive Pirates five years ago in Houston. She was a dive instructor and wanted to do more for the disabled, especially wounded warriors coming home from the war. "We just wanted to give something back to those who gave so much," said Cortez. There are now 17 Dive Pirates Foundation chapters across the nation. Once a year, the non-profit organization sponsors those with disabilities with training, gear and a paid trip to Cayman Brac to complete their certification. This year's trip was made up of 82 travelers including the recipients, their support teams and Dive Pirates enthusiasts. "We take care of all of the expenses for the first time students," said Cortez. But the divers have such a wonderful time they want to come back. Cortez is already hearing from divers who have pledged to pay the $2500 so they can return next year. "It's becoming a wonderful reunion," said Cortez. And Cortez is making her own plans to return…but it will also mean leaving. For nine years she has served as Manager of News Media Relations for CPS Energy. She has decided to leave her "high-powered" job and dive into this venture full time. "I love my job and the people I work with. Everything I've learned here gives me the courage to go out and devote myself full-time to the Dive Pirates Foundation and making this experience possible for more of the disabled," said Cortez. Cortez will be doing fund raising and media relations for the Dive Pirates Foundation. She'll also be going along on the dive next summer. But one thing she won't be doing is diving. "I'm not much of a water person. I've never been diving," she said. "I love the fun and adventure of it all. There is plenty to do besides diving." Cortez says she completely content to be on the boat. "I like to work topside and support them. I plan to blog and share their incredible stories." You could say that these pirates have found their treasure, both in the organization and in the woman who will work to gather the bounty to make more dreams come true.
