Born in Guatemala, Henry Escobedo came to the United States at the age of 9. When he was 19, he enlisted in the military to give back to the country that had given him so much.
On February 27, 2021, Henry and his wife, Mayra, and their two children, Jairo and Jade, received a specially adapted custom HFOT home in Pearland, Texas, a turning point that would reshape their daily lives.
The home allows Henry to move confidently and safely through his environment, providing him with stability, independence, and peace of mind. “My home is my safe place, my sanctuary,” he shares. “I know it like the palm of my hand, which means the world to me because I’m visually impaired. It is a life changer.”
The mortgage-free home has also lifted a significant financial burden, enabling him to invest in adaptive sports and his overall well-being. In January 2025, he completed his first full marathon at the Chevron Houston Marathon.
“I must be honest in saying that it was painful but very rewarding,” Henry said. “The most amazing thing about the marathon is that I qualified for the Boston Marathon.”
Cycling and Paratriathlon
He is also involved in cycling and paratriathlon and recently competed in the 2026 U.S. Time Trial and Road Race National Championship, placing third. While Henry continues to pursue his own goals, his family is thriving alongside him.
His son, Jairo, now 20, is balancing work and college, while his 13-year-old daughter, Jade, is stepping into athletics, exploring running and cycling. His wife, Mayra, recently earned her Bachelor of Arts in Special Education.
With the support of an accessible home, a dedicated family, and an unbreakable mindset, Henry has transformed adversity into opportunity. “I continue to stay active, focused, and living life to the fullest,” he says. “Thank you to my HFOT family for all of your support and assistance.”
At Homes For Our Troops, we are committed to helping Veterans reclaim their independence and their future. Learn how you can make an impact by helping restore freedom and independence for our nation’s most severely injured Veterans through the life-changing gift of a specially adapted custom HFOT home.