Hearts of Patriots
  • ABOUT US
    • OUR STORY
    • EDUCATION >
      • BLOOD STRIPE l A SPOUSE'S STORY
      • LIVING WITH PTSD AND TBI
      • PTSD AND TBI STATISTICS
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Hearts of Patriots Leadership

Denise Weller
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Denise's professional background is in the performing arts and has worked in the field of dance and theatre as a teacher, dancer, author and choreographer. In 1992 she founded Ohio Dance Theatre, a professional ballet based contemporary dance company serving as the company's Artistic Director for twenty five years. In 2014, motivated by her daughter Megan's experience as the spouse of a veteran with PTSD and TBI, (traumatic brain injury) Denise began working on a new project intended to bring attention to the ongoing struggles faced by families whose veterans suffer from invisible wounds of war. The result was an original multi-media theatrical performance piece entitled Blood Stripe, a Spouse's Story which premiered at Cleveland Public Theatre in the spring of 2015. In 2017 Hearts of Patriots was founded so that others would not have to endure similar struggles alone.

"Only after extensive research and finally connecting with other veterans'  families did Megan begin to understand that her husband's PTSD and TBI were responsible for the changes in their relationship. Their life has hope only because Megan was able to learn the important role she plays in helping her family live with PTSD and TBI.  We have created Hearts Of Patriots so that other military families don’t spend months or years before realizing how the invisible wounds of PTSD and TBI are slowly destroying them."        — Denise Weller

Megan Cain

​A mother of three and the wife of a 3/25 Marine, Megan has 20 years' experience in nonprofit management and development with a concentration on the strategic and financial aspects of operating a nonprofit organization.
​ As the co-founder of Hearts of Patriots, she advocates for veterans and their families, ensuring that spouses of veterans who suffer form invisible wounds are not alone throughout their difficult journey as caregivers. 

While many valuable organizations are fighting for our Veterans, very few focus exclusively on their caregivers. They are the ones who work tirelessly to keep their families together.  As a caregiver myself, I understand that we are the glue that keeps our family intact and many times, we are the only thing keeping our husbands and fathers from becoming one of the 22 veterans a day that commit suicide. 

 
​"After my husband returned from Iraq with PTSD and TBI, I spent a decade confused and alone, not clearly understanding the impact war had on our family. During that time I felt completely isolated and alone and often wondered if I had the strength to go on. I never want another spouse to feel so isolated. Unless we are strong, emotionally healthy and well educated, we as caregivers are unable to continue on our journey."        — Megan Cain

Hearts of Patriots a Registered 501 (c)(3) | EIN: 81-3929185
Hearts of Patriots is a recipient of Guidstar's Platinum Seal of Transparency.  As an all volunteer organization your donations directly support our programs for  PTSD Combat Veteran Spouses and their families. ​​Donations are tax-deductible by the donor. 
About Hearts of Patriots
When veterans return suffering from PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, or both, their transition into civilian can be especially difficult.  Co-founded by the wife of a Marine who served in Iraq, Hearts of Patriots understands the challenges faced by caregivers of veterans with invisible wounds of war.   
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Our Mission
Our mission is to support these hidden heroes on their journey to create a home — and a life — that is once again whole by providing education, resources and support to PTSD combat veteran spouses and their families. 

Contact

Denise Weller
​email denise@vetspouse.org
Megan Cain
​email megan@vetspouse.org
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  • ABOUT US
    • OUR STORY
    • EDUCATION >
      • BLOOD STRIPE l A SPOUSE'S STORY
      • LIVING WITH PTSD AND TBI
      • PTSD AND TBI STATISTICS
    • WHAT WE DO
    • OUR LEADERSHIP
    • IN THE NEWS
    • VOLUNTEER >
      • BECOME A VOLUNTEER
      • CARING FOR CAREGIVERS FAQ
  • REGIONAL CHAPTERS
    • LORAIN COUNTY CHAPTER
    • PREVIOUS EVENTS >
      • Stakeholders & Community Leaders Event
  • CAREGIVER PROGRAMS
    • CAREGIVER RESOURCE DIRECTORY
    • CAREGIVER MEMBERSHIP
    • HOLIDAY ADOPT A CAREGIVER
  • CONTACT US
  • BLOG
  • DONATE