We all know the power of recovery in the company of animals in the majestic landscape of the great outdoors.
Merica Strong was the idea of Dustin Bunch, a firefighter injured in tragic boating accident that left him a quadriplegic.
Like anyone, he and his family were devastated – at first. But thanks to medical surgery and advanced stem cell treatment, putting countless hours of therapy at home and in all settings and working with animals, his life has turned around and looks forward to a bright future.
So he established Merica Strong, a non-profit organization with plans to build a ranch to help more people turn their life around, too.
THE MERICA STRONG TEAM
DUSTIN BUNCH
Founder and Principal
Inspired by personal experience.
Dustin first joined a fire department when he was 19 years old – handling 911 emergency calls when most people his age were going to college.
Helping people comes naturally to Dustin and a job where he worked hard under stressful conditions was a job he enjoyed. One of his goals was to move to Montana to raise bison with his family.
He had to put that goal on hold after Dustin suffered an injury during a diving accident that left him a quadriplegic. But he has never let diagnosis define who he is.
Ironically, Dustin was injured on his favorite holiday – July 4, Independence Day. Now his goal to help others like him gain more freedom and independence – his inspiration to start Merica Strong.
ERIC STOFFERS
Board Member
Eric Stoffers is the founder and CEO of BioXcellerator – a world leader in stem cell therapy and research.
He is also the Chairman and co-founder of Solutions for a Healthier World, a non-profit organization dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving the quality of people’s lives by helping victims and their families after tragic events, investing in science and medicine to transform the quality of people’s lives, and improving education.
Eric has founded four life-transforming companies in the areas of stem cell therapy, immunity and aging science, and education. Each aligns to his mission of creating a healthier world, where everyone has the opportunity to live longer, live better, and enjoy each day to its fullest.
KEN SHOWALTER
Director and Treasurer
Ken Showalter is an experienced operational leader with an Honorable Discharge from the United States Navy.
After his 4-year cruise onboard the USS Kitty Hawk, his career path has spanned many fields including roles in the golf industry, a wildland firefighter, and most recently a small business owner.
A proud husband and father, he enjoys time spent in family activities and watching his children grow. Ken is excited for this new challenge and the opportunity to give back to those who gave him so much.
MERICA STRONG PARTNERS
