The Eileen Kaplan Memorial Fund - Honoring Her Life, Spirit and Service
Many of you have heard me speak proudly of my mother. She was a gentle, yet commanding woman who had a spirit for helping others.
Eileen Kaplan, age 84, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 18th, 2017 after her courageous battle with cancer. She is missed by family, friends and the thousands of military personnel that she gave council and care to over the years.
Eileen and my dad, Norm, met at Marquette University in Milwaukee Wisconsin. She didn't finish her degree immediately, and instead worked as a flight attendant and a commercial actress for several years. After overcoming a battle with addiction, Eileen finally went back to school. At the age of 50 (yes 50!), she finished her undergraduate degree at Wayne State University. She then went on to earn her Masters of Social Work Degree, starting a private practice that lasted twenty years.
Once my dad passed away, she began her military career, working as a contractor on bases all over the world. This commitment lasted 15 years, just shy of her 84th birthday. She finished her last contract assignment in Okinawa, Japan at 83-years-old!
Eileen's primary focus was helping veterans. She loved her work and often felt regretful that she could not do more for those who served, particularly those who suffered from the lingering mental wounds that plague combat veterans.
She worked tirelessly with soldiers and dedicated her life to their mental health. She left this world too soon and at times, it's hard for me to comprehend that she is no longer here. Her death, although sudden, has sparked a renewed focus for me. I was always so proud of my mom and now, I have a way to share her gifts on a broader scale.
Project Welcome Home Troops is an organization committed to helping veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress and their families. Their work is critical.
- PTSD cases have tripled in the last ten years
- Many veterans struggle with traditional treatments and stop them before they finish.
- Drug interventions have hefty side effects and therapy that focuses on recounting the trauma is too emotionally strenuous. Project Welcome Home cites research that only 50% of veterans who even complete traditional treatments will experience recovery.
Project Welcome Home Troops takes a more effective approach. Their workshops use research-backed methods that help veterans cope with and help control stress, anxiety and sleep problems. Their work is making a difference and I know the organization is one my Mom would champion.
That's why I created the Eileen Kaplan Memorial Fund. This fund's sole purpose will be to help support Project Welcome Home. It's my way of extending my mom's passion for the veteran community in a way that truly makes a difference.
We've set our goals high at $100,000. That money will go directly to Project Welcome Home and the important work they do. Would you help us reach that $100,000 goal to provide these veterans much needed access to this program?
Let us serve those who have served us.
With much love and respect,
John and Anne Kaplan
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IAHV is a registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. EIN: 52-2178069
To contribute via check:
Make checks payable to: Project Welcome Home Troops with memo (Eileen Kaplan Memorial Fund)
IAHV, 2401 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009
Please contact: leslye.moore@pwht.org with any questions
100% of your gift goes directly Project Welcome Home Troops