Real Stories, Real Healing

Stories of Healing & Transformation

These are the stories of brave veterans who chose healing. Their journeys inspire us, their courage moves us, and their transformations prove that recovery is possible.

Curt Woodard

U.S. Marine Corps

Served: 20+ years of service, 8 deployments (6 combat)

Journey of Transformation

Before

Carrying invisible wounds of war—PTSD and traumatic brain injury. Lost in a downward spiral, forgotten how to love himself or others.

After

Found peace and happiness. Transformed relationships with family and daughter. Now inspiring other veterans to seek healing.

Retreat Moments

"Not only did the bitterness and hate in my heart release, but I remembered how to love myself. In turn, that helped me love others. I've never been this much at peace or this happy in my life."

After over two decades in the Marine Corps and eight deployments—six in combat—I retired carrying the invisible wounds of war: PTSD and traumatic brain injury. The transition to civilian life led me into a downward spiral, where I forgot who I was, forgot how to love, and most importantly, forgot how to love myself.

That changed when I discovered Vines & Valor and received a veteran grant to attend two days of ayahuasca therapy at the Pachamama Ayahuasca Sanctuary in Maine. In a safe and guided environment, I found emotional and spiritual healing unlike anything before.

The transformation has positively touched every part of my life—my family, my friends, and my relationship with my daughter. I now share my story to inspire other veterans to seek healing beyond traditional methods and to remind them: You are worth it.