‘Amazed that we were able to get this done’: Nebraska man with brain injury prepares for scuba diving trip

OMAHA, Neb. —

What started as a simple conversation between a volunteer and a resident at QLI has turned into the trip of a lifetime.

For nearly the last year, Mark Fitzpatrick, a QLI resident living with a traumatic brain injury, has been training in adaptive scuba diving through a partnership with Diventures and Dive Pirates. On June 13, he will leave for Bonaire to take part in an adaptive diving trip alongside trained instructors and volunteers.

Fitzpatrick was first introduced to scuba diving by QLI volunteer Gene Pasha, a certified diver who initially simply wanted to spend time with residents at the rehabilitation center.

“It really started with an idea,” Pache said. “‘Gee Mark, how would you like to go scuba diving?’ And he said, ‘Yeah.'”

That idea quickly grew into months of training sessions focused on adaptive diving skills. At Diventures, instructors worked with Fitzpatrick on techniques like mask clearing, regulator recovery and underwater communication while using specially trained dive buddies to assist with mobility and safety.

Dive instructor Dave Dietze said adaptive diving focuses on what each individual can do independently.

“When you get somebody that may have mobility issues, and then they get to see a whole new world like that, it just opens up a ton of possibilities,” Dietze said.

For Fitzpatrick, the experience has already made a lasting impact.

“I just love the water,” he said.

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