Maria Edwards

Information System Technician First Class Maria Edwards returns to the Warrior Games this year after competing in 2024 and taking home a bronze medal for the 200 meter in track. While stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, she was diagnosed with cancer. Her mother came to help her care for her daughters, before she was diagnosed too. Edwards ultimately managed her own recovery, as well as her mother’s. When her treatments allowed for it, she began incorporating adaptive sports into her recovery. Now that she is a veteran on Team Navy, she enjoys sharing her knowledge about helpful resources with the newer teammates, and working with Operation Red Wings Foundation. She was named the 2024 Wounded Warrior of the Year by the Navy Safe Harbor Foundation for her indominable spirit in the face of adversity. “Navy Wounded Warrior helped me regain my confidence, strength, and courage in myself. I am doing the things doctors said I would never be able to do again, like running. Instead of being sad ad depressed during cancer treatments, I had opportunities to feel accepted, know I am not alone, and am care for by my peers.”