U.S. Competitor heals with family by his side before and during Invictus Games
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Captain Patrick Nugent, 33, was injured during a live fire exercise while deployed that changed his plans for a military career and forced him to find a new way forward. With the support of his family, Patrick began his healing journey that took him to the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany where he competed in powerlifting, indoor rowing, cycling, and table tennis. His family cheered him on throughout the Games and when he won a bronze medal in powerlifting. Patrick credits his family and the Games for helping him find a path to continue to serve his country and community.
My life was forever changed by a single bullet on July 12, 2017. Just five days into my second deployment as a U.S. Marine, a single bullet fired in error, shattering my bones and my future, and paralyzing me from the waist down. This event abruptly ended my military career and initiated a long, arduous recovery journey. The months that followed were filled with immense pain, several surgeries, and countless moments of despair. However, this journey also marked the beginning of my transformation, fueled by resilience and an unyielding determination to overcome adversity.
One of the most critical aspects of my recovery was the unwavering support of my family. They stood by my bedside through more than 15 major surgeries, providing the emotional and psychological strength I needed. Whenever I felt the urge to feel sorry for myself or to not give my all in physical therapy, they were there to encourage me. They gave me the strength to keep fighting and see how far I could push myself to further my recovery. My parents in particular were my pillars of support, and their presence was made possible by Fisher House Foundation. Being at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for almost two years, the cost of staying in a hotel would have been astronomically expensive for my family. Fisher House offered them a place to stay, close to me, allowing them to be there every step of the way. This support system was invaluable and played a significant role in my recovery, ensuring that I never felt alone during the darkest times. My parents would make the drive from Cleveland, Ohio, to Bethesda, Maryland, every week, alternating who was there with me providing the love and support I needed. I remember telling them I appreciated their presence but didn’t want them to alter their lives or jobs for me. They quickly refuted that, saying that family would always be there for me.
I first learned about the Invictus Games during an occupational therapy session. I was frustrated that my military career would be ending soon due to my injuries, but hearing about the Invictus Games instilled a sense of hope in me. I thought if I could recover well enough to be selected and compete at the Invictus Games, then my recovery would have far surpassed not only my doctors’ expectations but my own as well. So, in 2017, I made it my goal to compete in the Invictus Games one day.
Since setting this goal, my life has been a whirlwind of recovery, education, and training. I lived and recovered at Walter Reed for two years, medically retired from the Marines, spent three years in graduate school at The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, lived in Singapore for a summer, and traveled to over 18 different countries. And throughout all this, I trained for Games. Balancing recovery, education, and training was tough, and there were many nights filled with self-doubt and exhaustion. Earning a spot on the U.S. Invictus Games team for the 2023 Games was a surreal moment for me because I had been training for it for years. It proved to me that if you want something bad enough and work hard day in and day out, it is within your grasp.
Participating in the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 epitomized the line from William Ernest Henley’s poem “Invictus”: “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” My battalion commander recited this poem to me, reminding me that my recovery would be the hardest experience I would ever face, but that I had the power to shape my own destiny. The Invictus Games embodied this message, providing a platform to prove to myself and others that despite severe setbacks, I could still push my limits and inspire others.
Having my family at the Games meant the world to me. Seeing their faces in the crowd, cheering me on, gave me a sense of pride and gratitude. Their presence was a constant source of encouragement and motivation throughout my recovery journey. At the Games, I was fortunate to have my parents, siblings, cousins, and friends from grad school cheering me on. Their support during my highest highs and lowest lows has been unwavering and having them witness my accomplishments at the Games was incredibly special.
The Invictus Games profoundly changed me, instilling in me a deeper sense of purpose and a renewed commitment to serving others. The experience reinforced the importance of community and the impact of shared struggles and victories. Competing alongside fellow Veterans who had faced similar challenges was incredibly inspiring and solidified my resolve to advocate for Veterans’ issues going forward. Meeting and hearing the stories of other wounded service members always ignites a fire in me to do more in my advocacy work. The Invictus Games illuminated the path for me to continue serving my community and country in meaningful ways, proving that the essence of service transcends the uniform.
About Fisher House
The Fisher House program provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical facilities. The homes provide temporary free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during a medical crisis. www.fisherhouse.org
