AHIG Grant Recipients: Past Winners and Impactful Projects

×

Jayson O. Perez Vega

Testimonial: "I wish to inform you how grateful I am and will be for the rest of my life for AHIG’s support. AHIG has provided me with much-needed financial assistance at a crucial time in my life. Your help came at the perfect time when I had overdue house payments, electric and water bills, and was struggling to provide food for my three children. Despite my wife and I both having jobs, it has been challenging to cover daily expenses."

"I’ve received exceptional, friendly, and professional service from the entire AHIG team. I sincerely thank each and every one of you for your support. May God continue to bless you and your families. I truly appreciate how AHIG treats people with respect and dignity, providing valuable help to those in need. The way AHIG identifies and assists people who are struggling is exceptional. The work you do is inspiring, and my family and I will be eternally grateful."

Achievements: Prevented Utility Disconnections – With AHIG’s support, I was able to pay off overdue bills, including my electric and water utilities, ensuring my family didn’t experience any disconnections.

Kept Our Home: The grant helped me make overdue house payments, securing a roof over my family’s head during a difficult period.

Access to Basic Needs: I was able to provide food for my children and cover daily living expenses, relieving my financial stress.

Additional Information: "Your commitment to serving others has made a significant impact on our lives, and we are truly blessed by your support. AHIG has not just helped us financially but has also restored our hope for a brighter future. God bless AHIG and its supporters."

×

Kate Cassidy

Project Description: My son Kevin and I would like to thank the AHIG team for their tremendous help during our time of need! Kevin was diagnosed with autism at age 2, and as you can imagine, there have been many challenges. There are various medical treatments and therapies that can significantly improve his quality of life, and thanks to the AHIG grant, we have been able to pursue many of them!"

With the grant support, we were able to work with a holistic practitioner to improve Kevin's diet and consult with a world-renowned autism physician. We’ve also continued traditional therapies such as ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and Occupational Therapy. Kevin is doing much better these days, and we are now on track toward our goal of enrolling him in regular kindergarten next year!

Thank you again for everything you’ve done for us. Your support has made a world of difference in Kevin's life, and we are deeply grateful.

Achievements: Thanks to AHIG’s generous funding, Kevin's treatment plan has expanded to include holistic approaches alongside traditional therapies, giving him a more comprehensive treatment strategy. This grant has been a life-changing opportunity for us, and we’re now closer than ever to reaching the goal of enrolling Kevin in a regular kindergarten next year.

Additional Information: We are so grateful to AHIG for giving us the financial means to help Kevin. The support we received has allowed us to move forward with critical treatments that we otherwise wouldn't have been able to afford. We are forever thankful for the difference AHIG has made in our lives.

×

Brandon Farley

Project Description: I would personally like to say thank you to AHIG for all their help over the past several months during my transition from a career in baseball to starting a new career in broadcasting. They were with me every step of the way. I am so grateful and thankful for all their assistance.

AHIG helped cover my prescriptions until I could get insured by my current employer. They lifted a huge financial burden off my shoulders, allowing me to get back on my feet and start my new career. I am incredibly relieved to know there are organizations like AHIG that care about helping former athletes when they leave the game.

Achievements:

Prescription Coverage: AHIG provided immediate support for medical prescriptions, which allowed the recipient to focus on career development without worrying about medical bills.

Financial Relief: The financial assistance provided by AHIG eased the burden during the career transition, enabling the recipient to focus on securing a new job in broadcasting.

Career Transition Success: With the support of AHIG, the grantee successfully transitioned into a new career, demonstrating how AHIG helps individuals reintegrate into civilian life after professional athletics.

Additional Information: I’m so thankful to AHIG for their help during a challenging time. Their support made a significant difference in my life, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity they gave me to focus on my future rather than worry about my past struggles. AHIG truly cares about the people they help, and I’m so glad I was able to receive their assistance."

×

Gene Sharp, USA

Project Description: We are so grateful to AHIG for our grant that enabled us to print one of our new publications, Realistic Alternatives. Thanks to AHIG’s support, this publication has gained significant traction. One professor has even adopted the book for his classes, and we have had interest from others in the academic community. Clearly, this publication has made an impact, and we’re seeing the ripple effect of its influence, something that may not have been possible without AHIG’s support.

Achievements:Academic Adoption: The book, Realistic Alternatives, was adopted by a professor for his classes, marking its first step into academic settings.

Wider Interest: The publication has sparked interest from other educators and institutions, helping to broaden its impact.

Broader Impact: The ripple effect of this work is now being felt across academic communities, which may not have been possible without AHIG’s funding.

Additional Information: AHIG's support has allowed our publication to reach new audiences and make a real impact. The grant has not only helped us print the book, but it has also opened doors for future collaborations and engagements. We are deeply thankful for AHIG’s investment in our work and its continued support.

×

Chris Ronzio

Project Description: I am incredibly grateful to AHIG for supporting Trainual with a grant of $150,000 from the Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC). This funding was instrumental in helping us scale our marketing efforts. With the support, we were able to grow our marketing team, increase our ad spend, and invest in event sponsorships and podcasts to drive traffic to our website. This allowed us to fuel Trainual’s growth and increase visibility in the market.

The process of applying for the grant was similar to preparing for an investor pitch, and it was an excellent experience for our company. We were able to showcase the traction we had gained with our first paying customers and present a story that would resonate with the grant judges.

Achievements:

Marketing Team Expansion: The grant helped grow the marketing team from 1 to 5 members, enabling Trainual to scale its operations quickly.

Increased Ad Spend: The funding allowed Trainual to increase its monthly ad spend from $30,000 to $100,000, directly contributing to their market visibility.

Strategic Sponsorships & Podcasts: Trainual was able to sponsor industry events and podcasts, which helped drive targeted traffic to the website and fueled business growth.

Additional Information: The AHIG grant gave us the financial flexibility to experiment with new marketing channels and grow faster than we could have imagined. It’s rare to find an organization as supportive and knowledgeable about what businesses need to succeed. AHIG is a true partner in helping us achieve our goals.

×

Romy Taormina

Project Description: I am incredibly grateful to AHIG for their support, which helped us expand our reach and grow our business. Thanks to the $15,000 AHIG Movement Grant, I was able to move out of my home office and set up a professional space for our growing team. This has had an immediate positive impact on our operations and helped improve our efficiency.

Additionally, the two $3,000 State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Grants allowed us to attend international trade shows, significantly increasing our global presence. These grants have been essential to our success and expansion. I am thankful for the opportunity to receive these grants, which have directly supported our mission to provide Psi Bands for nausea relief to people worldwide.

Achievements:

Home Office Transition: With the $15,000 AHIG Movement Grant, Romy was able to transition Psi Health Solutions from a home-based office to a professional work environment, enhancing productivity.

Global Presence: Thanks to the grants, Psi Health Solutions gained visibility in international markets, driving global expansion of their patented medical device, Psi Bands.

Additional Information: AHIG’s support has been a game-changer for us. It’s not just the financial backing, but the belief that AHIG has in small businesses like ours. The funding helped us grow and gain the visibility we needed to expand internationally. I’m deeply grateful for AHIG’s impact on our journey.

×

Jaron and Maggie Clayton

Project Description: We are incredibly grateful to AHIG for their generous $50,000 Nav Small Business Grant. This funding was instrumental in helping us expand our space at Running Dogs Brewery in St. Helen’s, Oregon, to accommodate more guests and host larger events. The support from AHIG allowed us to create a welcoming environment for our growing community, which has been crucial for our business.

With the grant, we were able to increase the capacity of our brewery and event space, allowing us to serve more customers and offer more community events. This has made a huge difference in our ability to support our local community, grow our business, and host events that bring people together.

Achievements:

Business Expansion: With the $50,000 grant, Running Dogs Brewery expanded its physical space, increasing capacity and enabling them to host larger events.

Community Engagement: The funding allowed the brewery to create a better environment for community events, increasing local engagement and attracting more guests.

Growth and Sustainability: The expansion has positioned Running Dogs Brewery for continued growth, allowing them to provide more value to their community and grow their customer base.

Additional Information: The support from AHIG has been a game-changer for us. This grant has allowed us to better serve our community, host more events, and grow our brewery in ways we never thought possible. We're so thankful for AHIG’s belief in our vision, and we're excited for the future.

×

Dr. Bernhard Leidner, Germany, and Levi Adelman, USA

Project Description: We are deeply grateful to the AHIG Foundation for the grant that empowered us to advance groundbreaking research on how shifting narratives around conflict can support long-term peacebuilding. With AHIG’s support, we conducted extensive studies across multiple communities — including Jewish and Palestinian Israelis, Americans, and Turkish Kurds — to understand how new narratives can reshape perceptions, reduce tensions, and promote nonviolent conflict resolution.

This work would not have been possible without AHIG’s commitment to social impact and conflict-transformation research. Across all studies, we found consistently strong evidence that introducing healthier, solution-focused narratives can significantly reduce hostility and strengthen pathways toward peaceful resolution. AHIG’s investment has helped us demonstrate that storytelling and perspective-shifting are powerful tools for social change.

Achievements: With the support of AHIG, the research team successfully:

Conducted multi-regional conflict perception studies across diverse groups.

Identified consistent patterns showing how narrative reframing reduces conflict intensity.

Generated new data supporting peacebuilding initiatives and educational interventions.

Developed insights that can strengthen local and global peace dialogues.

Created academic materials and presentations now used by educators and mediators.

Additional Information: AHIG’s support allowed us to explore a critical but often overlooked aspect of peacebuilding — the power of narrative. The insights gained through this research will continue to influence conflict-resolution strategies for years to come. We are profoundly grateful for AHIG’s trust and partnership.

×

Nerve Valerio Macaspac, Ph.D Candidate in Geography, University of California, Los Angeles

Project Description: I am sincerely grateful for the generosity of the AHIG Foundation in selecting my project as the recipient of the Small Peace Research Grant in 2021. Receiving this grant allowed me to conduct both ethnographic fieldwork and archival research to better understand the critical phenomenon of community-led peace zones and bottom-up peacebuilding as part of my dissertation.

Achievements: With the Foundation’s support, I was able to immerse myself in the field and gather the data necessary to advance this important research. I am now in the process of writing two scholarly articles for submission to peer-reviewed journals in the fields of peacebuilding and political geography. Thank you, AHIG Foundation, for making this work possible.

×

Joshua W

Grant Program: AHIG Truckers Relief Fund

Support Provided: Emergency financial assistance during medical crisis and recovery

Project Description: Thanks to the AHIG Truckers Relief Fund, we were able to keep our water running, electricity on, and our vehicles from being repossessed. In June, I suffered a heart attack while at a truck stop in Indianapolis and was rushed into emergency surgery at a nearby heart hospital. After multiple flatlines and the placement of four stents, my life was saved.

I am now undergoing six months of cardiac rehab and am unable to get back behind the wheel, which has made our financial situation incredibly difficult. We were on the verge of losing our vehicles, electricity, water, and car insurance. Because of the generous support from the AHIG Group, we were able to make it through this challenging time. May God bless them, as He has continued to bless us. Thank you all so much!”

Achievements: “Your help kept us afloat when everything seemed to be falling apart. We will forever be grateful.”

×

Shawna W.

Grantee Name:Shawna W.

Grant Program: AHIg Truckers Relief Funds

Support Provided: Emergency family assistance during medical crisis

Project Description: In July, my husband who has served as a professional truck driver for 30 year suffered a stroke. The experience left him distraught and deeply worried about our family’s future. During this overwhelming time, the support we received from this organization made all the difference.

Because of their help, our family was able to stay on track financially and emotionally. This stability is especially important for our children, who have ASD and rely on consistency and routine. We cannot thank you enough for the compassion and assistance you showed us during one of the hardest moments of our lives.

We will always hold a special place in our hearts for the kindness you extended to our family.

Achievements: “Your support gave us hope when we felt overwhelmed. We are forever grateful."

×

Mike R.

Grant Program: AHIG Truckers Relief Funds

Support Provided: Emergency financial assistance for mortgage and utilities

Project Description: I was diagnosed with small cell carcinoma on July 15, 2024, and I have been unable to work since June 21, 2024. During this incredibly difficult time, the AHIG Truckers Relief Fund stepped in to help us keep our home by covering our mortgage and utilities. Words cannot express how deeply grateful I am for this support. You truly are a blessing in our lives. Your generosity has eased a great deal of stress for my family, and we feel so fortunate to have received your assistance. We will always hold you in our hearts, and thank you from the bottom of ours for being there when we needed it most. ❤️🥰

Achievements: “Your support has meant everything to us. We are truly blessed to have such caring people in our lives. Thank you for making a difference!”

×

Huck N.

Grant Program: AHIG Truckers Relief Funds

Support Provided: Emergency financial assistance for housing during medical crisis

Project Description: I had just returned from a Texas run and was scheduled to reload for the same customer when, on the morning of August 1st, I woke up virtually paralyzed from the waist down. My wife took me to our chiropractor, but I knew something wasn’t right. She immediately took me to the VA hospital in Madison, WI, where I was diagnosed with a severe MRSA infection. Before we arrived, I was in and out of consciousness.

I spent 2 ½ months under hospital care, and during that time, we were on the brink of losing our house. Thankfully, the AHIG Truckers Relief Fund stepped in and helped us stay in our home. I can never express how much this means to us. Your support gave us one less thing to worry about during a time of unimaginable stress.

From the bottom of my heart, I will always be grateful to you for keeping our home during such a challenging time.

Achievements: “Your generosity allowed us to focus on recovery without the added pressure of losing our home. We will never forget your kindness.”

×

Irene T

Grant Program: AHIG Truckers Relief Fund

Support Provided: Emergency financial assistance during medical crisis

Project Description: On June 2nd, my husband was diagnosed with stage 5 chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and other serious health issues. He can no longer work, and hearing the doctors’ prognosis was heartbreaking for our family. He has always been a hardworking husband and father—loving, kind, and generous to everyone he meets.

Since his diagnosis, we’ve been struggling with insurance, bills, rent, and everything else that comes with such a major life change. But then, God placed the AHIG Truckers Relief Fund in our lives. They reached out to our family with open hands and hearts full of love, providing much-needed support during this tough time. They truly took a huge burden off our shoulders, and we are forever grateful.

As difficult as it’s been, we know God sent this wonderful charity to help us through. We appreciate them so much, and we want to thank the AHIG Truckers Relief Fund from the bottom of our hearts. God bless all of you for the amazing work you do for everyone in need!"

Achievements: "Your generosity has been a light in our lives during this dark time. We are deeply thankful for the help you've provided, and we will always remember your kindness and support."

×

Micheal E.

Grant Program: AHIG Truckers Relief Funds

Support Provided:Emergency financial assistance during medical crisis

Project Description: We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the AHIG Truckers Relief Fund for being such a big help in keeping our family from losing our home. As an OTR commercial driver, not being able to drive due to my recent brain aneurysm and other health issues has put an immense strain on our finances.

This has been a very tough journey for all of us, but because of your support, it has made this hardship a little easier to bear. The relief you provided gave us the breathing room we desperately needed.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being there when we needed you the most. Your help truly made all the difference.

Achievements: "We are deeply grateful for your generosity. You’ve been a lifeline for our family, and we’ll always remember your kindness."

×

Roxanne G.

Grant Program: AHIG Transportaion and Logistics Funds

Support Provided: Ongoing financial assistance for truck drivers and their families

Project Description: Good evening! I hope this finds you all doing well. My husband and I have recently filled out another application with your organization, and I just wanted to take a moment to reach out and say, thank you. You’ve helped us in the past, and unfortunately, we find ourselves turning to you again for additional support.

Regardless of the outcome of our application, we are deeply grateful for the help you've provided. You were there for us before and took a huge weight off our shoulders, and we can't thank you enough for that. This year started off well, but then life threw us another curveball. It feels like there’s always something going on, and it’s hard to ever get caught up!

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you again not only for offering this service to truck drivers and their families but also for being there when people are in need of help the most. You make a real difference, and we are forever grateful for everything you do.

Achievements: "Thank you for being the safety net for families like ours. We’re truly thankful for your generosity and support during times of hardship."

×

Jonathan S.

Support Received: Emergency assistance during medical battle

Project Description: This is my second battle with a rare cancer. In 2009, at the age of 29, I was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer that only 20% of adults ever develop. I had a tumor in my cerebellum the size of an egg. Fast forward to 15 years later, on January 31, 2024, I was diagnosed again—this time with Stage 4 esophageal cancer, known as adenocarcinoma.

I don’t know what my story looks like from here, but I’m currently undergoing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and iron infusions. Through it all, I’ve learned to take things one day at a time and remain hopeful. I am choosing to manifest that 2024 will be my best year yet!

While I don’t have all the answers, I’m staying positive and continuing to fight. I want to express my sincere gratitude for the support I’ve received. Knowing that there are people and organizations out there who genuinely care makes all the difference during difficult times. Thank you for standing by me as I face this challenge head-on.

Achievements: "I’m grateful for the strength and support I’ve received, and I’m determined to make the best of what lies ahead. Thank you for helping me along the way."

×

Cheri S

Grant Program: AHIG Transportation and Logistics Funds

Support Provided: Emergency assistance during critical medical crisis

Project Description: My husband was a truck driver. He was delivering his load in Alabama when he started feeling unwell—his face began swelling, and he told me he thought he needed to go to the hospital. Once he arrived at the hospital, they put him on oxygen. The doctors discovered that he had double pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and a blood infection.

Within just three hours of arriving at the hospital, he was placed on life support. For two weeks, he remained on life support, fighting for his life. Sadly, today, after two weeks of intense care, he passed away. This has been an incredibly painful time for me and our family. The financial strain and emotional toll have been overwhelming. However, I want to express my deepest gratitude to AHIG Truckers Relief Fund for offering us a lifeline during this tragic moment. Your support helped ease some of the burdens during this heart-wrenching time, and for that, we are forever thankful. Thank you for being there for us when we needed it the most.

Achievements: "I will always remember the kindness and compassion shown to us during this extremely difficult time. Your support has made all the difference."

×

George M

Grant Program: AHIG Truckers Relief Funds

Support Provided: Financial assistance during medical crisis

Project Description: Team driving across this beautiful country, getting to see all of its glory life was so good. But in an instant, that all changed when I had a stroke. Suddenly, the guy who used to help others was now forced to ask for help for himself.

Hospital bills started coming at me fast and furious, and with no income, I feared I wouldn’t be able to keep up with my mortgage and could lose the home I worked so hard to build. That’s when AHIG Truckers Relief Fund stepped in and gave me the breathing room I desperately needed. They covered my house payment for a month, allowing me to focus on my recovery.

I am so thankful for AHIG's support during this time. It helped me stay on track when things seemed impossible. God bless AHIG and everyone who donates to help truckers like me. Your generosity made all the difference.

Achievements: "Your kindness allowed me to focus on my health without the worry of losing my home. Thank you for being there when I needed it most."

×

Shaun

Grant Program: Transportation and Logistics Funds

Support Provided: Healthy Habits Program and ongoing support

Project Description: One day, while driving and listening to Road Dog Trucking on XM satellite radio, I heard a commercial about AHIG Transportation and Logistics Funds. My curiosity was piqued, so as soon as I stopped driving for the day, I Googled the organization and checked out their website. The section about Healthy Habits and classes for drivers spoke to me like a spiritual experience.

I immediately filled out the online form to attend a virtual class, and the very next day, I received a call from Lindsey, who helped me complete my registration. Little did I know that over the next 12 weeks, my life would begin to change in ways I never expected.

The information provided in the class was so easy to understand and digest, it sparked something in my brain I didn’t even know was still there. Hearing the stories of struggles from other drivers was the key that unlocked the motivation I needed. Slowly, I began to regain hope and motivation to set new goals and make positive lifestyle changes.

The best part of it all was that Lindsey was there every step of the way, available via email or text 7 days a week to answer any questions I had. This program is incredibly well put together, and the knowledge that Lindsey has is truly incredible. Thanks to AHIG Group, I’ve found the motivation and resources to achieve new goals and live a healthier lifestyle."

Achievements: "I’m deeply grateful for the guidance and support I received. This program has not only transformed my health but also rekindled my hope and motivation for the future."

×

Fran M.

Grant Program: AHIG transportation and Logistcs Funds

Support Provided: Assistance with medical and household expenses

Project Description: I reached out to AHIG Transportation and Logistics Funds because my husband Jim has been diagnosed with cancer in his throat. Jim is a semi-truck driver, and I was looking for a way to help pay for his treatment expenses.

The entire community at AHIG's Committee is a blessing. We submitted some of our household bills, and St. Christopher’s took care of them. That alone was a huge help, allowing us to focus on Jim’s treatment rather than worrying about overdue bills.

I would highly recommend AHIg programs to other truckers in need. They were quick to respond, provided helpful information, and even connected us with additional resources. Their support has been invaluable during this challenging time.

God bless this organization for the difference they make in the lives of so many."

Achievements: "AHIG provided much-needed relief at a time when we were overwhelmed. I am forever grateful for their compassion and support."

×

Mirna R

Grant Program: AHIG Transportaion and Logistics funds

Support Provided: Emergency financial assistance during family crisis

Project Description: My daughter and I are so incredibly grateful to this wonderful foundation. My husband was a truck driver for about 20 years. He loved trucking and dreamed of one day owning his own trucking company. Sadly, COVID-19 affected our family, and my husband lost his life due to complications.

Before he passed, he asked me to find assistance while he was in the hospital. That’s when I found AHIG Truckers Relief Fund and submitted an application for help. Tragically, my husband passed away, and I completely forgot about the application.

One day, I was checking my emails when I saw one from AHIG’s. I wrote them back and received a call from an angel Dana. She was incredibly delightful, understanding, and so helpful. Thanks to Dana and the amazing people at AHIG’s, we received the support we desperately needed.

To Dana and everyone who made this possible, thank you from the bottom of our hearts! There are no words that can ever express how truly grateful my daughter and I are for your kindness and support. What you did for us is priceless and beautiful!

Achievements: "You are a true blessing to us. The compassion and care you showed in our time of need will never be forgotten. Thank you for making a difficult time a little easier."