EMDR Therapy in Marana, AZ

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Healing That Helps You Get Unstuck

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Every person grows and learns in different ways. To that point, every counselor or guide has their own techniques and exercises to help clients. Not every method is effective for everyone, but with the right guidance, you can defeat your inner demons and recapture your life. That's where Christy Maxey thrives.

Christy is a trauma EMDR coach dedicated to empowering people with the knowledge of true self-love. She aims to help men and women overcome negative self-talk and patterns and finally live the fulfilling life they deserve. Christy has a special focus on supporting women who experience anxiety, depression, lack of self-trust, people-pleasing, and feelings of inadequacy. Additionally, she's an expert in helping men who are navigating anger, stress, and relationship challenges.

 EMDR Theraphy Marana, AZ

If you have received help from therapists and life coaches in the past but find yourself falling back into the same patterns as before, know that you're not alone. The simple truth could be that whatever problem you were trying to face was left unresolved.

Essentially, you cut the top of the weed, but you didn't pull out the entire root. In a sense, you put a band-aid on a serious wound when you needed more comprehensive, specialized treatment. Unlike many life coaches, Christy Maxey aims to solve the root cause of your mental and physical symptoms. By addressing the cause of your issues, you can reclaim your life and move forward without the baggage you've carried for so long. Take it from us - it's an incredible feeling!

Some of the most common problems that Christy helps solve for patients include:

  • Difficulty Dealing with the Emotional Content at the Center of Their Problems
  • A Lack of Resistance to and Awareness of "What Is"
  • Fear and Uncertainty About Making Changes
  • Fear of Getting Compassionate Help and Guidance
  • Believing False Narratives Associated with Past Traumas and Experiences

What is EMDR Therapy in Marana, AZ?

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EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a technique that assists people in recovering from the effects of distressing life experiences, such as emotional distress and symptoms.

Created by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 as a treatment method for post-traumatic stress disorder, EMDR is an evidence-based treatment approach that provides both trauma-informed treatment and treatment protocol. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR employs bilateral stimulation to replicate the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase of sleep. In fact, EMDR treatments have shown that the mind can heal from psychological trauma faster than traditional talk therapy.

Traumatic events often lead to negative beliefs and emotions, such as shame, anger, and sadness. EMDR enables your brain to reprocess such events, promoting healing, well-being, and positivity in patients.

If you're wondering whether or not EMDR treatment from Christy Maxey might be a good choice for you and your family, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do You Feel Stuck in Your Life?
  • Do You Find Yourself Stuck Feeling the Same Types of Fear, Sadness, or Anxiety?
  • Have You Grown Accustomed to a Negative Inner Critic?
  • Do You Feel Stuck with Feelings of Shame from Past Mistakes or Traumas?
  • Are You Always Repeating the Same Patterns in Relationships? Too Nice, Too Accepting, Avoidant, Easy to Get Triggered, Etc.?
  • Is Your Brain Full of Self-Doubt and Harmful Self-Talk?
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How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

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Once it's agreed that EMDR therapy is suitable for you, your initial sessions involve discussing your goals and enhancing your ability to cope with stress. In the following phases of EMDR therapy, you concentrate on a specific event or focus on a negative image, belief, emotion, or bodily sensation related to the event. You then focus on a positive belief indicating that the issue has been resolved.

While you're focused on the upsetting event, Christy begins sets of side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps. After each set, you are guided to observe what comes to mind. Shifts in insight or changes in images, feelings, or beliefs about the event may occur. It should be noted that you can stop therapy at any moment if necessary. The sets of eye movements, sounds, or taps will be repeated until distress caused by the event decreases. EMDR therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other forms of therapy offered through the Maxx Method.

To help paint you a picture of how EMDR therapy works, think of it like a cast for a broken bone. Unlike other forms of therapy, however, EMDR can be more uncomfortable than traditional treatments. It's important to be ready for possible emotional exhaustion afterward. To cope, you can create a relaxing playlist and plan some activities to unwind. Once the sessions are finished, take some time to recharge and decompress.

Who Should Use EMDR Therapy in Marana, AZ?

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EMDR therapy is something anyone can benefit from. It's not only reserved for people with extreme experiences or traumas. Even mild cases of anxiety and depression can be treated by a trained EMDR coach like Christy Maxey. When you remember something that reminds you of a bad experience, your body might react like it's in danger, even if it's not. This is a normal reaction, but if it keeps happening, it can make you feel really stressed out. With EMDR, you can heal and learn new ways to cope without having to talk about exactly what happened. This can help you feel better and live your life without over-worrying and ruminating on negativity.

If you're one of the many people who have experienced lackluster results from one or more EMDR sessions, it's crucial that you do not give up hope. In fact, many men and women come to Christy Maxey having had poor EMDR experiences. Thankfully, they soon realize how impactful and fulfilling the therapy can be for trauma. That's especially true when combined with other therapies like Inner Child Healing and Guided Visualization. Of course, EMDR therapy in Marana, AZ, isn't the best choice for every patient - after all, every person is different and responds to therapies in different ways.

To truly discover if EMDR therapy is the right choice for your mind and body, contact Christy ASAP to schedule your initial consultation. That way, you and Christy can get to know each other better and discover the best ways to promote long-term healing and well-being. With that said, patients choose EMDR treatments for many reasons. Some of the most common reasons for using EMDR therapy include the following:

  • Panic Attacks and Anxiety
  • PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome)
  • Eating Disorders like Bulimia, Anorexia, and More
  • Trauma from Abuse and Violence
  • Abusive or Violent Relationships
  • Rest and Sleep Problems
  • Social Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Childhood Trauma and Abuse
  • Anger and Sadness
  • Fear of Speaking in Public
  • Betrayal and Grief
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The Life-Changing Benefits of EMDR Therapy

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Though EMDR therapy is more popular than ever, many people are still unaware of its benefits and how life-changing the therapy can be for people who are stuck. If that sounds like you, keep these benefits in mind as you continue to research this amazing therapy choice.

Triumph Over Trauma

Triumph Over Trauma

Recovering from a traumatic experience can be extremely challenging, but EMDR therapy can provide a solution. Trauma can create triggers that make you feel like you're experiencing the event all over again. EMDR can help reorganize the thoughts, feelings, and experiences associated with the trauma so that you no longer feel controlled by it. While the effects of trauma may never completely disappear, EMDR can significantly reduce its impact on your life and enable you to live in the present without constantly reliving the past.

Enhance Your Mental Fortitude

Enhance Your Mental Fortitude

Achieving personal growth involves accepting one's identity, building self-esteem, and understanding the internal narratives that shape our daily experiences. EMDR and guided therapeutic processing can help create a peaceful, efficient, and confident setting for individuals to accept their past and move forward. This therapeutic process empowers individuals, providing them with the strength and courage to confront any obstacle that impedes their well-being.

Reshape Your Life

Reshape Your Life

During EMDR therapy sessions, traumatic events are broken down, enabling patients to gain a different perspective on negative events. This altered view can be as life-changing as the traumatic event itself, giving individuals greater control over how they adapt to the effects of trauma.

Overcome Circular Thinking

Overcome Circular Thinking

If you struggle with circular thinking patterns related to anxiety disorders, phobias, or generalized anxiety, EMDR therapy may be helpful. EMDR can assist you in overcoming these thought spirals by teaching you how to deal with your fears and worries without becoming overwhelmed by anxiety.

 Trauma Therapy Marana, AZ

Understanding the Phases of EMDR Therapy in Marana, AZ

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According to the EMDR Institute, there are eight phases in traditional EMDR treatment:

The EMDR Institute has identified eight phases of EMDR therapy. These are:

  • History and Treatment Planning
  • Preparation
  • Assessment
  • Desensitization
  • Installation
  • Body scan
  • Closure
  • Reevaluation
History and Treatment Planning

History and Treatment Planning

During the initial stage of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Christy will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your medical and emotional history and create a treatment plan. This stage involves discussing the particular issue that led you to seek therapy. You'll also identify behaviors and symptoms associated with the issues you're facing. Based on this information, Christy will develop a personalized treatment plan that outlines the goals to be addressed using EMDR therapy in Marana, AZ:

  • The Traumas or Events Causing Issues
  • Present-Day Problems and Traumas Causing Distress
  • Healthy Behaviors and Skills Needed for Long-Term Well-Being
Preparation

Preparation

During this phase, Christy will explain the theory of EMDR, how it is applied, and what you can expect during and after treatment. Christy will then teach you several techniques for relaxation so that you have the tools to calm down in the event of emotional disturbance.

One of the biggest goals of this first phase is to establish trust between you and your EMDR coach. While you don't have to go into great detail about disturbing memories, if you don't trust your therapist, you may not accurately report what is felt and what changes you are or aren't experiencing. If your goal is to please the therapist and say you feel better when you really aren't, no therapy in the world will resolve your trauma.

Assessment

Assessment

In this phase, you will be prompted to access each target in a controlled manner so it can be effectively processed. Processing does not mean talking about it. From there, Christy identifies different parts of the target to be processed. The first step is for you to select a specific image or mental picture from the target event (identified during Phase One) that best represents the memory.

You then choose a positive statement that you would like to believe. The statement should have an internal sense of control, such as "I am valuable/lovable/a good person/in control" or "I can achieve success." In some cases, when the primary emotion is fear, such as after a natural disaster, the negative thought could be "I am in danger," and the positive thought could be "I am safe now." "I am in danger" is considered a negative thought because fear is no longer necessary, but it is still present in the nervous system. The positive thought should reflect what is appropriate in the present moment.

During this phase, you will also identify negative emotions like anger or fear and physical sensations that you associate with trauma.

Desensitization

Desensitization

This phase of EMDR therapy in Marana, AZ, hones in on the disturbing sensations and emotions associated with your trauma and the ways that you respond to it. In doing so, patients often resolve similar events as well. The goal of this phase is to use sounds, taps, or eye movements with shifting focus until your subjective disturbance levels are lowered.

Installation

Installation

The goal here is to concentrate on the positive belief that you have identified to replace your negative belief(s). For example, you may have suffered child abuse in your younger years and hold the negative belief that you are powerless. Christy will help strengthen and install positive cognitions that reinforce the fact that you are in control, not the negative thoughts and emotions keeping you stuck.

Body Scan

Body Scan

Research into EMDR sessions indicates that physical responses to unresolved thoughts are common. After your positive cognition is fortified and installed, Christy will ask that you bring the original target event to the forefront of your mind. If she notices any additional body tension, those physical sensations are reprocessed. If you do not have any body tension or symptoms present when your original target event is brought up, your EMDR session is considered successful.

Closure

Closure

Typical EMDR sessions end with closure and a debriefing on what you can expect between your current and subsequent EMDR sessions. If necessary, Christy will provide calming techniques that you can use outside of therapy. This part of the EMDR process ensures that you leave Christy's office feeling better than you did at the beginning of the session.

Reevaluation

Reevaluation

This phase gives Christy insight into any other treatment plans that may be necessary for your healing and well-being. Like any type of sound therapy, reevaluation is critical in determining the success of your EMDR treatment over a period of time.

Reshape Your Life with EMDR Therapy from Christy Maxey

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Regardless of the events and trauma keeping you stuck, EMDR might be a viable solution for reclaiming your life. Christy Maxey provides patients with the safe space needed to do so. If you're ready to let go of past or present traumas and reclaim your love of life, EMDR therapy could be the first step on your healing journey. Contact our office today to learn more about the Maxx Method, EMDR therapy in Marana, AZ, EMDR online, and how Christy Maxey can help you defeat the inner demons holding you back.

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Latest News in Marana, AZ

2023 Southern Arizona High School Football Spotlight: Marana Tigers

5A SONORAN — MARANA TIGERS2022 record: 10-2 overall, 5-0 in 5A SonoranHead coach: Philip Steward, 18-5 third year at Marana and overall.CLICK HERE TO ACCESS ALLSPORTSTUCSON.COM’S 2023 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHTSKey returners:MARANA HEAD COACH PHILLIP STEWARDMARANA WR/CB JAELEN COLLINS...

5A SONORAN — MARANA TIGERS

2022 record: 10-2 overall, 5-0 in 5A Sonoran

Head coach: Philip Steward, 18-5 third year at Marana and overall.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS ALLSPORTSTUCSON.COM’S 2023 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHTS

Key returners:

MARANA HEAD COACH PHILLIP STEWARD

MARANA WR/CB JAELEN COLLINS

MARANA QB JASON WOOD

Coaching staff:

Notes: Phillip Steward became Marana’s head coach before the 2021 season after Louie Ramirez took an assistant coaching position at powerhouse Scottsdale Saguaro. Steward is from Missouri City, Texas, a suburb of Houston, where he was an all-state linebacker. He was with the St. Louis Rams in 2013 and 2014 after signing as a free agent following his career at Houston (where he played for former Arizona coach Kevin Sumlin). He also played in the Fall Experimental Football League and the Canadian Football League. He joined former Arkansas standout and NFL player Alonzo Highsmith Jr. at Willcox. He coached with Highsmith (who resigned before the 2021 season) for three years before joining Ramirez’s staff in 2020. He coached outside linebackers and running backs. Steward moved to Tucson because his fiancée is attending pharmacy school at Arizona. … Although Steward has a defensive background, he calls the plays for Marana as the defensive coordinator. He has mentioned he enjoys that role because he knows what defensive coordinators prepare for and wants to scheme against them. … Steward’s style is an uptempo, no-huddle, quick-read offense that prevents the defense to get situated before the ball is snapped. That generally negates blitzing defenses and consistent pressure on the quarterback. The extraordinary production indicates that offense is efficient. … Jason Wood started as quarterback in Marana’s first two games last season against Mountain View and Buena and led the Tigers to big wins in each game. He completed 31 of 44 pass attempts for 528 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. When Elijah Joplin returned in the third game from an eye injury, Wood shifted to a receiver on offense and finished with 515 receiving yards on 29 catches and 10 touchdowns. … Wideouts Dezmen Roebuck and Jaelen Collins are one of the best duos in the state along with Sabino’s Berryhill brothers (Savaughn and Shamar). Roebuck, a junior who has a scholarship offer from Arizona, had 92 receptions for 1,274 yards and 13 touchdowns. Collins (17 catches for 417 yards and two touchdowns) played more on defense as a cornerback last year. He finished with 63 tackles and four interceptions.

Keep an eye out for: LB Markus Gonzalez, a senior who is 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds. Had a breakout season last year tallying 73 tackles, five for loss with 3.5 sacks. … He also had two pass deflections, a fumble recovery and a caused fumble. … He had nine tackles in Marana’s 26-17 over Phoenix Sunnyslope in the first round of the 5A state playoffs last year. … He also had nine tackles in Marana’s impressive wins over Cienega and Sunnyside last season.

MARANA

Head coach: Phillip StewardTigers compete in the 5A Southern. *Region game, Games at 7 p.m.

DateOpponentW/LOvrReg
8/25at Salpointe------
9/1Tucson------
9/8at Higley------
9/15Mountain View------
9/22Canyon del Oro------
9/29at Buena*------
10/6at Sunnyside*------
10/20Desert View*------
10/27at Casa Grande*------
11/3Cienega*------

FOLLOW @JAVIERJMORALES ON TWITTER!

ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He is a former Arizona Daily Star beat reporter for the Arizona basketball team, including when the Wildcats won the 1996-97 NCAA title. He has also written articles for CollegeAD.com, Bleacher Report, Lindy’s Sports, TucsonCitizen.com, The Arizona Republic, Sporting News and Baseball America, among many other publications. He has also authored the book “The Highest Form of Living”, which is available at Amazon. He became an educator five years ago and is presently a special education teacher at Sunnyside High School in the Sunnyside Unified School District

Marana golf course under fire for removal of two saguaro cactuses without permits

A private golf course in Marana is under investigation by the Arizona Department of Agriculture for chopping down two saguaro cactuses to make room for hospitality tents for the upcoming LIV Tournament.In February, a video surfaced of a landscaping company cutting down two mature saguaro cactuses on The Gallery Golf Club's property, which incited outrage within the community and questioning by the state agriculture department.The Gallery Golf Club claims the removal was a mistake by the landscaping company, Santa...

A private golf course in Marana is under investigation by the Arizona Department of Agriculture for chopping down two saguaro cactuses to make room for hospitality tents for the upcoming LIV Tournament.

In February, a video surfaced of a landscaping company cutting down two mature saguaro cactuses on The Gallery Golf Club's property, which incited outrage within the community and questioning by the state agriculture department.

The Gallery Golf Club claims the removal was a mistake by the landscaping company, Santa Rita Landscaping, which did not ask for permission from management, according to The Gallery Club General Manager Jeremy Duda.

Saguaros, which can reach up to 50 feet, are found exclusively in the Sonoran Desert and have an average lifespan of 150 to 175 years. They are well-known and recognized in Arizona and are one of many protected plants under Arizona's native plant law.

Under this law, landowners have the right to destroy or remove protected native plants growing on their land, but they are required to notify the AZDA 20 to 60 days prior to the destruction. They must also obtain permits from the AZDA during this notification process.

Honoring the saguaro:Controversial removal of saguaro from golf course highlights cactus' revered status

That's what The Gallery Golf Club and its landscaping company failed to do before removing the two saguaros to make room for temporary hospitality tents arriving for the LIV Golf Invitational Tournament.

"The AZDA did not identify records of a permit or notice of intent for The Gallery Golf Club to cut down the two saguaros, and we are currently conducting an investigation related to this action," said Heather Flowers, assistant director of Strategic Initiatives and Policy at the AZDA.

According to state law, removing a saguaro, or any native plant, without obtaining the proper permit from the AZDA is a class one misdemeanor, punishable by a civil penalty in an amount of no more than $5,000.

Expert alert:'AZ Plant Lady' writes book on desert gardening with more than cactus and rocks

Phoenix building offers historic features, illicit past

"We were under the impression that they were going to be relocated," Duda said, regarding what the landscaping company said to management. "That's what we were told, and they ended up chopping them down without our permission."

Relocation of saguaros on the same property does not require a permit, according to AZDA.

Duda said The Gallery Golf Club is fully cooperating with the AZDA's investigation, and it plans to replace the saguaros once the tournament is over.

Reach breaking news reporter Ellie Willard at ellie.willard@gannett.com or on Twitter @EllieWillardAZ.

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State supreme court finds Marana in violation of water treatment costs

The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that the town of Marana is in violation of state law after forcing future homeowners to bear the complete costs of a new wastewater reclamation facility.The justices said in an unanimous decision that development investment fees may not be imposed onto new residents if it is a burden that all taxpayers should carry equally, according to state law.The justices emphasized that their ruling was to not second-guess Marana’s policy judgements about what is needed to obtain a 100-year water s...

The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that the town of Marana is in violation of state law after forcing future homeowners to bear the complete costs of a new wastewater reclamation facility.

The justices said in an unanimous decision that development investment fees may not be imposed onto new residents if it is a burden that all taxpayers should carry equally, according to state law.

The justices emphasized that their ruling was to not second-guess Marana’s policy judgements about what is needed to obtain a 100-year water supply, but to “narrowly construe the Town’s authority to assess development fees… to ensure that new residents do not bear a disproportionate share of the costs of necessary public services.”

“As a threshold matter, most if not all of the acquired, new, improved, and expanded facilities clearly provide necessary public services,” Justice Clint Bolick wrote.

Back in 2012, Marana obtained the wastewater reclamation facility from Pima County. This allowed for the facility’s effluent to contribute to the 100-year water supply and use it to “recharge” the aquifer, demonstrating long-term water supply.

In 2017, Marana approved a Capital Improvement Project that would raise the town’s Class B+ water quality standard to the highest water quality possible, Class A+. But then, the town assigned 100% of the project debt to future water and sewer customers.

A lawsuit was then filed in 2018 by the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association.

The court of appeals upheld the trial court’s decision to side with Marana saying that the intent of the project was “entirely for purposes of new development” and that the town’s assessment of development fees was valid. However, the state supreme court says that validity does not apply in this case when the need for improved facilities are “unchallenged.” The court also added that intent is irrelevant, especially when permission is determined through a town’s compliance with state requirements.

Marana’s attorneys contended, saying that the level of service for existing residents remained the same.

“They get tap water. They flush the toilet and it goes away.”

Bolick disagreed, saying that state law actually requires “new development costs [to be] based on the same level of service provided to the existing development,” which was B+ water quality– not A+. Yet, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality required Class A+, based on available technology.

“The uncontroverted evidence demonstrates that the improvement in water quality from B+ to A+, which ADEQ mandated as a condition of the project, provides healthier water that may be used for a wider variety of purposes— to the entire community’s benefit,” the justice wrote.

Now, the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association may be able to argue expenses included in the fees. However, this does not mean that new development does not have to pay their proportionate share. The proper allocation of costs requires “evidence-based findings” under the state statute.

The state supreme court sent the case back to the trial court to determine cost allocation.

Playing for championship: Marana in West Region Junior League Softball & Randolph in State Junior League Baseball

Marana won its third straight elimination-bracket game of the West Region Junior League Softball Tournament on Tuesday night at Arthur Pack Park, defeating Alaska 2-1 behind the pitching of Cadence Beck.Marana will face Washington in the championship round Wednesday at 5 p.m.Marana, which lost to Washington 10-5 on Sunday, has to beat Washington twice on Wednesday to win the title and advance to the Junior League World Series that starts Sunday at Kirkland, Wash.Beck, who took part in th...

Marana won its third straight elimination-bracket game of the West Region Junior League Softball Tournament on Tuesday night at Arthur Pack Park, defeating Alaska 2-1 behind the pitching of Cadence Beck.

Marana will face Washington in the championship round Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Marana, which lost to Washington 10-5 on Sunday, has to beat Washington twice on Wednesday to win the title and advance to the Junior League World Series that starts Sunday at Kirkland, Wash.

Beck, who took part in the national Little League Home Run Derby two years ago, was dominant in the circle against Alaska allowing five hits in seven innings with six strikeouts and one walk.

Alaska scored first in the top of the first inning on Kinsey MacDonald’s RBI single.

Marana was held scoreless until rallying for two runs in the fourth inning.

After Brooke Beck singled, she stole second and then scored on an error on a line drive hit by Bella Sayre to center field by to tie the game at 1.

Sayre later scored on another error with two outs to put Marana ahead 2-1.

Cadence Beck and Alaska’s Alaina Reynolds then engaged in a pitcher’s duel.

Reynolds allowed only three hits in her six innings of work.

TUESDAY, JULY 25

WEST REGION JUNIOR SOFTBALL ARTHUR PACKMarana 2, Alaska 1Mesa Four Peaks 9, Utah 8 (Consolation final)

ARIZONA STATE LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FLAGSTAFFSunnyside 2, Canyon View 1 (Forced deciding game)Canyon View 9, Sunnyside 3 (Final)

ARIZONA STATE JUNIOR BASEBALL TEMPERandolph 9, Cactus Foothills 7 (Elimination final)

ARIZONA STATE 50-70 INTERMEDIATE BASEBALL QUARTERFINAL NOGALESDouglas 11, Nogales 0 (Nogales eliminated)

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26

WEST REGION LITTLE LEAGUE SOFTBALL SEMIFINAL SAN BERNARDINOWillcox vs. Southern California, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)

WEST REGION JUNIOR SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND ARTHUR PACKMarana vs. Washington, 5 p.m.

ARIZONA STATE 50-70 INTERMEDIATE BASEBALL SEMIFINAL NOGALESDouglas vs. Hawaii, 8 p.m.

ARIZONA STATE JUNIOR BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND TEMPERandolph vs. Mountain Pointe, 6 p.m.

Veterans, volunteers and active duty place flags on markings at Arizona Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Marana ahead of Memorial Day

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - Veterans and volunteers gathered at Arizona Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Marana to place flags and recognize the fallen heroes who fought for our freedom.Mike LaBarbera is the president of the Veteran’s Club at Sun City in Oro Valley and said it’s important people know the meaning of the holiday.“You don’t want to wish someone a Happy Memorial Day because that’s not what it’s for,” said LaBarbera.It’s a day of remembrance to honor those who...

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - Veterans and volunteers gathered at Arizona Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Marana to place flags and recognize the fallen heroes who fought for our freedom.

Mike LaBarbera is the president of the Veteran’s Club at Sun City in Oro Valley and said it’s important people know the meaning of the holiday.

“You don’t want to wish someone a Happy Memorial Day because that’s not what it’s for,” said LaBarbera.

It’s a day of remembrance to honor those who lost their lives fighting for our country.

Attendance at the cemetery was record-breaking. The event started at 8:00 a.m. and took just five minutes to place flags on 3,800 markings.

Bill Schaeffler Sr., VFW Arizona State Junior Vice Commander, said the attendance was shocking.

“When we pulled in we kind of were expecting six cars, and to see the entire parking lot covered in patriots and they’re all here putting flags in the ground before 8:00 AM, it was wonderful,” said Schaeffler.

Everyone in attendance had a different story or reason for serving.

“I’m a Vietnam Veteran Commemorative partner, where I give out Vietnam Veteran Pins to our members who served in Vietnam because of how badly we were treated back then and our country is now recognizing that,” said LaBarbera.

The focus of the event, though, was clear.

“Memorial Day is not for those of us who are still walking on this earth. The census bureau says more than one million Americans have given their lives and service to this country since 1861. That’s what this day is for, to honor and remember their sacrifice,” said Schaeffler.

Due to the high turnout, one veteran made a point to make her “thank you” a little more personal.

“By the time I got here, all the flags were already placed, so the next best thing for me was to honor every single veteran or military spouse that is laying here. I may not have a relationship with them, but I am bonded with them because we answered the call to serve,” said Monica Gupta-Abram, retired U.S. Army Officer.

She stopped at all 3,800 markings and gave her respects to every individual.

A reminder of what the day is actually about.

“The message that we really want people to get is we really hope they’re enjoying their Monday and enjoying their hot dog and going water skiing, but we want them to remember that this day was paid for. It’s not free,” said Schaeffler.

There will be a ceremony at the cemetery on Monday at 8:00 a.m.

The public is invited to attend.

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