Support Nick Badis's 

I am launching this fundraiser to support my journey of healing and empower me to continue serving fellow veterans as a licensed therapist. The funds raised will cover advanced, non-surgical treatments for my back and neck injuries, including regenerative therapies not covered by the VA. While the VA’s options are limited and would eventually lead to surgery, I am determined to avoid that path and pursue less invasive treatments. Your generous support will enable me to access these essential therapies, helping me overcome physical challenges and continue providing mental and emotional support to those who have served our country.

My Journey

At 19, I joined the Army infantry with a clear sense of purpose: to serve in my generation's war and be part of something bigger than myself. After basic training, I completed Airborne School and was stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska, where I honed my skills in infantry and heavy weapons tactics. I became proficient with the M240B and M2 machine guns and attended sniper school, mastering the M24, M2 sniper rifle, SASS, and MK14 EBR.

However, my journey wasn’t without sacrifice. During a training exercise, I suffered a severe airborne collision, injuring my back and neck. Despite the pain, I pushed forward, continuing rigorous training with my unit. In 2012, we deployed to Afghanistan, where our skills were put to the ultimate test. After my deployment, I was honorably discharged and sought a new direction as the war wound down.

Transitioning to civilian life was difficult. I pursued a degree in accounting, seeking stability, and discovered martial arts as a vital outlet for managing anxiety, depression, and undiagnosed PTSD.

Martial arts became a cornerstone of my healing process, helping me cope with the invisible wounds of war.

Though martial arts helped me mentally, it strained my injured body. Nevertheless, I competed as an amateur in MMA and later debuted professionally at Bellator’s “Salute the Troops” event, winning in the first round despite my injuries. After surgery, I realized I couldn’t maintain the level of training required for professional fighting and had to pivot once again.

Determined to continue serving, I enrolled in a master’s program to become a licensed therapist for veterans. Though my body was failing, I found new purpose in helping others heal. I fought two more professional bouts, losing both as my injuries worsened. When COVID-19 closed the gyms, I decided to focus on completing my degree. But stepping back from physical training had dire consequences. One key lesson I learned during that time was that if you stop moving, you die. During COVID, my injuries worsened significantly, revealing the full extent of the damage once I was forced to slow down. My body has not been able to recover since.

Today, as a fully licensed therapist, I specialize in helping veterans overcome their battles.

Treating my fellow veterans is an honor, but I am constantly reminded of the toll my injuries have taken. Despite multiple surgeries and treatments, my pain has worsened, forcing me to scale back on martial arts—something I am deeply passionate about.

At 34, I face a harsh reality: my body may no longer sustain the activities that have been my mental and emotional lifeline. Some doctors have advised that I stop martial arts, surfing, and lifting altogether. But martial arts has been my lifeline, connecting me to others and giving me a sense of purpose. Without it, I’m unsure what my life would look like.

Why Your Support Matters

This fundraiser is essential for me to access advanced, non-surgical treatments that are not covered by the VA. The regenerative therapies I need fall outside the VA’s offerings, which would otherwise lead me down a path toward surgery—an option I am determined to avoid. With your support, I can pursue these less invasive treatments, allowing me to manage my pain and preserve my mobility without risking the complications associated with surgery. Additionally, the funds will help me expand my therapy practice to incorporate martial arts, blending mental and physical healing for veterans. Your support is an investment in my ability to continue my mission of serving fellow veterans while maintaining my own health and well-being.

This fundraiser would enable me to continue my path as a warrior in both mind and body, allowing me to give back to veterans for as long as I am able. Your support is not just an investment in my healing but in the well-being of countless veterans I strive to help. Thank you for standing with me in this next chapter.

Miracle Hope Foundation is driven by a deep commitment to provide hope and healing to those in need.

Our mission aims to empower patients with the knowledge and resources they need to take control of their health and wellbeing, and approach treatment with a positive mindset.

Your contribution will remove barriers to life-giving access to care and provide critical resources to patients, including access to the latest treatments, educational programs, and support groups.

Every patient deserves the highest quality of care, regardless of financial resources.