Stuart man starts 'Dream Waves,' a non-profit aimed at helping veterans

STUART, Fla. - A Stuart man is hoping to take his love for the water and be an inspiration for local veterans.

"I just feel that I have a second chance at life," says Joe Canney.

After surviving two heart attacks in two days last October, Canney has a different outlook on life.

"If you don't believe after something like that happens to you, then you are never going to believe," added Canney.

The 63-year-old is a retired teacher and a life-long boater with a captain's license.

"I was born in February in Boston, and I was on my parent's boat in June, and I have been boating all of my life," explained Canney.

He's turned his love for the water into a non-profit called Dream Waves.

He plans to take injured veterans and their families for free boat rides.

Canney says boating for him is so relaxing it's like therapy. He says he knows he cannot change anyone's physical condition, but he can certainly give them some enjoyment for a few hours.

He's got the volunteers ready, a place to store the boat, but then there is the hard part of money.

"I don't have a boat yet, and I need about $100,000 to run it for a year. Right now I have $2,500 between me and my neighbor," says Canney.

After all this captain has been through, he's pretty sure the tide will turn and it will be no time at all before the rest of the community is on board.

If you would like to help out you can visit www.dreamwavesamerica.com