JEFF GUIDRY, AN EAGLE CALLED FREEDOM: MY TRUE STORY OF A REMARKABLE FRIENDSHIP

 

In 2008 Jeff Guidry emailed a friend, and told her the story of how, through his volunteer work at Sarvey Wildlife Center, he rehabilitated an eagle named Freedom with two broken wings, and nursed her back to health at exceptionally long odds. Though Freedom would never fly, Jeff became her closest friend, and in many ways, her wings.  A few years later, Jeff's own health was ravaged by lymphoma, and it was his bond with Freedom that saw him through.  He visualized Freedom helping him fight the cancer, and took long walks with her in his stronger moments.  After nearly a year of chemotherapy, Jeff was informed there was no trace of the disease left in his body.  He immediately left for Sarvey.  When he took Freedom out of her flight for a walk she did something she had never done before: she extended her wings and wrapped them around him, touching his nose with her beak in an avian hug.  Jeff believed that Freedom knew he was in remission, and that moment cemented an already unshakeable bond between the two.

Jeff told his story in an email of less than 800 words.  After his friend forwarded it to others, and they did in turn, it became an internet sensation and swept around the world.  Jeff, who could never have imagined the power of a simple email, received over 10,000 emails before losing count, and continues to receive emails to this day from new fans of his story.  And now, Jeff shares the full story of how Sarvey Wildlife Center saved his life.  An inspiring tale of hope, love, trust, and life, this unforgettable true story is an affirmation of the spiritual connection that humans and animals share.