DISABILITY DIGEST
August/September 2019
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RISING TO THE CHALLENGE
Celebrating the Bravery and Resilience of Our Scholarship Recipients
While CJ has worked incredibly hard to get where he is, he points to two people who’ve been there every step of the way. “My parents have been awesome. They have always been super supportive,” he says. “When I pegged Duke as my dream school, they wanted to do whatever they could to make it happen. They’ve been my constant champions.” CJ’s family has a legacy of military service that was carried on by his father, who served 24 years in the Navy. Seeing the sacrifices of those who served inspired CJ’s career path. As he wrote in his poignant essay, CJ plans to use his education and experience to “positively impact those who valiantly fought for freedom” by aiding warriors in “overcoming internal struggles and finding lasting peace.” CJ is no stranger to struggle. He recently underwent a successful open-heart surgery to combat the effects of Currarino-Silverman syndrome. Living with the disease has influenced CJ’s carpe diem outlook on life. “It’s a situation where you don’t think about the worst, but there was a fair amount of risk involved,” he explains. “I knew I wanted to capitalize on the time I had. It made me look at my college experience practically and realize, 'I have four years to do what I can. If this is all I get, I'm going to take every opportunity.' I feel proud of what I’ve done so far.”
W e are so excited to highlight the recipients of the Frances and Earl Perry Memorial Veterans Scholarship and the Flora Marie Jenkins Scholarship: CJ and Ya. For these two dedicated students, the scholarships allow them to pursue their education and follow their dreams of serving others. CJ is the recipient of the Frances and Earl Perry Memorial Veterans Scholarship. This fall, he’ll be a junior at Duke University, where he’s double majoring in psychology and theater, as well as working toward a certificate in documentary studies. CJ is grateful to Marc Whitehead and Associates for making education a sustainable reality for him. “It’s so amazing and helpful,” he says of the scholarship.
Ya is the recipient of our Flora Marie Jenkins Scholarship. She recently earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Houston, and she begins her master's program there this summer. She plans to obtain her CPA and to eventually teach accounting. For Ya, education is everything. Her father is disabled, and Ya’s mother abandoned her when she was very little. Born with a tumor in her leg, Ya needed medical treatment that her relatives loaned the money for. Throughout the years, Ya has supported her father and herself through hard work and determination. After her family immigrated to the United States, Ya found herself in a new country with
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As a senior paralegal in our long-term disability department, Jennifer is an integral part of writing successful appeals for our clients. In her seven years here, she’s developed a deep understanding of what our clients have gone through. “Most of our clients have been treated unfairly by insurance companies,” she says. By the time they come to us, they’re understandably wary of anyone offering to help. “This is their life,” Jennifer empathizes. Jennifer knows it’s up to her and her team to show people they’re not alone. Coming from a background in criminal and family law, Jennifer started as an attorney’s assistant before discovering she had a knack for writing appeals. The attorney she worked with had a lot on her plate. “I took it upon myself to learn. It really frees up our attorneys to handle other aspects of a case,” she says. Jennifer is diligent about uncovering every facet of a client’s case to create an HOW JENNIFER ADVOCATES FOR OTHERS Giving a Voice to Our Clients a new language and minimum wage jobs. She struggled to make ends meet, even sleeping in her car at some points, but, despite the overwhelming challenges, she committed herself to her education. She worked her way up to honors courses and, eventually, admittance to the Honors College at the University of Houston — all while working full time. For Ya, the scholarship means an education. When she found out she’d won, Ya says, “I almost screamed. I was so surprised and very grateful. I can’t thank Marc Whitehead and Associates enough.” It was an inspiring teacher, Dr. Carlin, who helped Ya settle on her future path and who has helped her along the way. As Ya wrote in her moving essay, “I admire Dr. Carlin because she eliminated the word 'impossible' from my vocabulary.” Ya has found many supportive teachers at the University of Houston who’ve taught her an important lesson: “School is not just to teach you knowledge but also to teach you how to be a better person,” she shares. Ya knows that her education is the key to her future. “With a degree, I know what will be possible. I think about what’s most important — getting a job is most important — and I think about how I can achieve that,” she says. “Education drives me forward. Having a degree, no one can take that away from you.” ....CONTINUED FROM COVER
AMERICA’S WEIRDEST AIRBNBS
This Ain’t Motel 6!
When Airbnb was founded a little over a decade ago, the developers hoped to provide an alternative to traditional travel accommodations. Today, with annual revenue in the billions, the service is an industry unto itself. While most people use Airbnb to “live like a local” while traveling, you can find some truly wacky lodging options if you spend some time searching the platform. Here are just a few of the many contenders for the title of “Weirdest Airbnb in the U.S.” For ease of searching, the listings here have the same titles as they do on Airbnb.
Brand New Studio Earthship Taos, New Mexico
Earthships, houses run by clean energy and featuring reused materials, are a fixture of the Taos area. This one, which looks almost like a crashing wave with a living space in its undertow, combines the rustic charm of truly getting away from it all with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and in-home laundry. It’s a truly unique living space surrounded by pristine nature and not far from the historic Taos Pueblo.
ManCave Apartment/Airplane Hangar Geneva, Florida
Airbnb super hosts Dan and Deborah have no shortage of quirky properties for rent — including yurts and treehouses — but their apartment fashioned out of an airplane hangar surely takes the cake. You’d be forgiven for thinking it was a theme restaurant featuring eclectic aviation. Memorabilia lines the walls with a bar front and center, and the bed is in a loft high above the ground.
Dog Bark Park Inn B&B Cottonwood, Idaho
As you approach the Dog Bark Park Inn, you won’t have to guess if you’re in the right place. After all, how many buildings are shaped like beagles? When describing the space on Airbnb, the hosts make no bones about who this rental is aimed for. “Stay in a giant dog!” they say. In addition to being inside a massive wooden dog, you’ll find canine-themed games, books, and more. Talk about ruffing it.
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appeal that holds up in court. “Each of us puts so much time into our appeals. We dig in, research, and develop arguments to give our clients a better chance of winning,” she describes. Jennifer finds her role gratifying. “The best part of my job is advocating for clients on paper. I help them voice their opinions in a professional manner so they get heard,” she says. Outside of work, Jennifer devotes her time to family, church, and volunteering. “I have three kids, and we’re really active in our church,” she says. Jennifer also serves as a mentor and raises funds for the National Alopecia Foundation. “I’m a mentor for a program that teaches kids self-esteem and how to deal with some of the challenges of alopecia,” she says. It’s a cause that hits close to home for Jennifer. “I was diagnosed when I was four, so I’ve dealt with it my entire life,” she explains. She understands how debilitating it can be to have health challenges while trying to work and raise a family. Fortunately, she says, she has a boss who is empathetic. “Marc advocates that health is very important. In a job that’s demanding, it helps a lot to have an understanding boss.” Thank you for all you do, Jennifer! You help your team and your clients win every day! PUZZLE TIME!
ROASTED CORN SALSA
Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine
Ingredients
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2 medium ears of corn, shucked
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1/4 bunch cilantro leaves, sliced
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1 jalapeño or Fresno chile, seeded and thinly sliced
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Juice of 1 lime
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Kosher salt, to taste
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1/2 red onion, diced
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1 large tomato, cored, seeded, and finely chopped
Directions
1. Heat a cast-iron skillet to high. Char corn, turning occasionally, for 10–14 minutes until kernels begin to blacken in spots. 2. Using a sharp knife, remove corn kernels from cobs and transfer to a large mixing bowl. 3. With a wooden spoon or potato masher, gently crush corn to release starch and juices. 4. Add jalapeño, onion, tomato, and cilantro. Mix to combine.
5. Top with lime juice and season with salt. 6. Serve alongside your favorite tortilla chips.
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403 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77007 888-497-9061 | DisabilityDenials.com A National Disability Law Firm
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INSIDE
1.
Celebrating Our Scholarship Recipients
2.
Not Your Average Vacation Lodgings Meet a Key Part of Our Team
3.
Roasted Corn Salsa
4.
Our Clients Say It Best
ANATIONAL DISABILITY LAWFIRM
Social Security Disability Claims | Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims | Veterans’ Disability Benefits ERISA & Employee Benefit Claims |Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Litigation
This group is dedicated! Kimberly and Frank were instrumental in getting what I needed, and they got me representation for my hearing in San Antonio that was key in getting my case approved. They sent me the correct forms my doctors needed to fill out and submitted everything in a timely manner. I am indebted to Marc Whitehead and Associates! I am forever grateful!
–Tracey
WHY PARTNERWITHUS?
We gather all evidence needed.
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Office visits are not necessary.
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We don’t get paid unless you do.
• We solicit the opinions of medical and vocational experts.
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• We build the strongest case possible for a favorable outcome.
• We give you a dedicated case manager to coordinate all the aspects of your case.
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