As an Army Veteran and single mother of three children, Courtney faced numerous challenges after service. When she became homeless, she turned to VA for help. With VA treatment, Courtney was able to work through past military sexual trauma and treat her chronic pain. The support she received helped her find happiness and stability.
“After years of dedicating my life to sports, I know I put my body through a lot. What I didn’t realize, especially in a sport like football, is the number of hits you take to the head and how much this can affect your body and brain over time.
I’m very grateful for the opportunity to play football in college and the NFL, but once that chapter ended, a new and greater challenge began, learning how to take care of myself after years of punishing my body. What becomes clear after stepping away from the game is just how much you’ve asked of your body and mind. Staying mentally and physically healthy becomes the next mission and requires a different level of intention and discipline.
When I began focusing on my health, I was fortunate to be introduced to functional medicine and ketamine therapy early on. Both approaches gave me a framework not just to heal and recover, but to thrive. I am feeling better than I could have expected at this point of my life. Ketamine has had a profound impact on my mental well-being. After years of head impacts, it helped me feel clearer, more grounded, and more connected. It’s been instrumental in my transition to life after football allowing me to feel present, grateful, and engaged with my family, friends, and the opportunities ahead.”