TAMPA, Fla. — There are thousands of kids in the Florida foster care system — JC Laverde works closely with many.
“They're kids that think very little of themselves. So, it's entirely too easy for me to pick them up. You just need very subtle hints of the light,” Laverde said.
He's been a public servant for almost 20 years serving as an Oldsmar Firefighter and former Air Force para jumper. He was forced to slow down when he was attacked by an alligator in 2022 during a training swim in Lake Thonotosassa.
While recovering, Laverde founded his own group called Nurturing Resilience to mentor foster kids.
“During that time, I could not move. I wasn't always physically active, so it's almost like the Lord told me to just sit down and write, sit down and figure out what is next and sit down and think this through,” Laverde said.
Family, friends, and donors are here to support Laverde. They said he's always had a big heart and his love for giving back has only grown bigger since his accident.
Laverde's team helps foster kids using a performance rig mobile unit.
“Ultimately, what I teach is breathing, posture and confidence,” Laverde said.
His loved ones got a look inside the rig and were able to try out some of the exercise machines.
“That's where we can fix our society. We get them when they're young and make a difference in their life and he just has a passion it's inspiring,” said Laverde's friend Stuart McKown.
His friends said his accident might've slowed him down, but this party is just the start of a big comeback.
“I am kind of exhausted of putting band-aids on bullet wounds,” Laverde said.
Laverde is launching his first fundraising challenge since his accident Sunday morning at Bahama Breeze on Rocky Point Drive in Tampa. Laverde plans on climbing 72,000 feet — three times the height of Mount Everest — to raise 150,000 dollars for children in the foster care system.
You can also donate here.