Wounded Warriors Run for mental health support hits close to home
NANAIMO — One of the most successful Wounded Warrior Runs is currently making its way down Vancouver Island.
It’s the tenth year participants have raised money and support for veterans, first responders and their families dealing with mental health issues by running over 600 kilometres from Port Hardy to Victoria, travelling between Parksville and Nanaimo on Friday, March 3.
Laurie Grubb, vice president at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 256 in Nanaimo, knows all too well the traumatic effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through her husband, a Vietnam vet who has dealt with the debilitating effects since leaving service.
“They may live in the event through flashbacks or nightmares, they may feel sadness, fear or anger. They may feel detached or estranged from other people. People with PTSD may have a strong reaction to loud noises or an accidental touch.”