Until a couple of years ago, I wasn't quite sure what was wrong with me. But, I knew someting major was affecting my ability to function and live what I viewed as a "normal" life. The depression I had hidden from people for years by wearing the "good person mask" was now at an all-time low and my ability to function at work and in a personal life was down to "0".

After moving to Bellingham (one of my frequent moves caused by what was going on with me) I had a chance meeting with Susan at a Veterans Fair at the American Legion. I was at a volunteer table for the Red Cross. Susan told me who she was and I remember stating that "I have issues from the service that I have never dealt with." Susan told me I was eligible for counseling and after some very indept communciation and help over the phone from Susan she referred me to a counselor who had just moved to this area. The first year was extemely painful and so many ups and downs.... but, then I agreed to try out medication to help my depression. I had been also diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome and had trouble with paranoia. I was also reclusive when it came to one on one personal relationships and yet was able to function in a safe work environment.

All this time Susan was by my side and answered every phone call and helped with my depression, fears and anxiety that had plagued me for years. My sleeplessness and dreams caused me to have a very distressed life since I was never really rested. The medication began to work and I also had been given something to help me sleep. I opened up about my "demons" but also my guilt and shame that I had carried with me for years. I also felt guilty when I saw a veteran at the hospital with a missing leg or arm and felt so undeserving. Then, recently I realized that I had lost something --- my life. I had been a walking dead person who was totally numb and didn't even know it. The life that could have been was taken away from me but I am now getting it back.

I owe so much to Susan and my Counselor Dr. Cantrell for I feel they have saved my life. I am now able to help others and will be returning to school this coming fall. I still have irritable bowel syndrome, get anxious and have sleepless nights ..... but I have learned how to cope in a possitive way and know ways I can improve my quality of life. I still have trouble slowing down when it comes to work.... seem to need that adrenaline to help to keep going. But, taking steps to slow down and smell the roses.

I have gotten my life back and don't need much to make me appreciate what I have. I am now living in the present instead of being afraid of it. I appreciate the help I am getting from the VA for the things that happened to me when I was serving my country. I feel validated and know there are many others like me out there. I may never be able to repay my advocate Susan Avila-Smith or my counselor Dr. Cantrell, but I will be there for others and for ever be indebted to those that helped me have a life again.

Susan you and Bridget are my angels.

Thank you,
Cecilia Stevens

I have been waiting to write something to you regarding your assistance and this is the opportunity to do that. It is only now that I can do this after all this time and I still get choked up.

Until a couple of years ago, I wasn't quite sure what was wrong with me. But, I knew someting major was affecting my ability to function and live what I viewed as a "normal" life. The depression I had hidden from people for years by wearing the "good person mask" was now at an all-time low and my ability to function at work and in a personal life was down to "0".

After moving to Bellingham (one of my frequent moves caused by what was going on with me) I had a chance meeting with Susan at a Veterans Fair at the American Legion. I was at a volunteer table for the Red Cross. Susan told me who she was and I remember stating that "I have issues from the service that I have never dealt with." Susan told me I was eligible for counseling and after some very indept communciation and help over the phone from Susan she referred me to a counselor who had just moved to this area. The first year was extemely painful and so many ups and downs.... but, then I agreed to try out medication to help my depression. I had been also diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome and had trouble with paranoia. I was also reclusive when it came to one on one personal relationships and yet was able to function in a safe work environment.

All this time Susan was by my side and answered every phone call and helped with my depression, fears and anxiety that had plagued me for years. My sleeplessness and dreams caused me to have a very distressed life since I was never really rested. The medication began to work and I also had been given something to help me sleep. I opened up about my "demons" but also my guilt and shame that I had carried with me for years. I also felt guilty when I saw a veteran at the hospital with a missing leg or arm and felt so undeserving. Then, recently I realized that I had lost something --- my life. I had been a walking dead person who was totally numb and didn't even know it. The life that could have been was taken away from me but I am now getting it back.

I owe so much to Susan and my Counselor Dr. Cantrell for I feel they have saved my life. I am now able to help others and will be returning to school this coming fall. I still have irritable bowel syndrome, get anxious and have sleepless nights ..... but I have learned how to cope in a possitive way and know ways I can improve my quality of life. I still have trouble slowing down when it comes to work.... seem to need that adrenaline to help to keep going. But, taking steps to slow down and smell the roses.

I have gotten my life back and don't need much to make me appreciate what I have. I am now living in the present instead of being afraid of it. I appreciate the help I am getting from the VA for the things that happened to me when I was serving my country. I feel validated and know there are many others like me out there. I may never be able to repay my advocate Susan Avila-Smith or my counselor Dr. Cantrell, but I will be there for others and for ever be indebted to those that helped me have a life again.

Susan you and Bridget are my angels.

Thank you

This website would be very bennefcial. There is so much to learn in the proccess of getting the claim solved, and Susan Smith has indeed done all she could to help but not even she can keep up with the questions, so that female veterans can get there claim through as quick as possible. My claim has been a nightmare, its been sent to the archives 2 times, and I have had to relocate it to get it going. It would be nice to hear from other female vets so that we might all learn something and have the support we need to get through some rough roads.

Thank you,

Susan Hamilton