Denise Becker continues her efforts to raise awareness and funds for PTSD and TDI by participating in her eighth consecutive half marathon
Left to right: Denise Becker and her daughter, Jessica Verdon, both of Lansing, competed in the Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon weekend in Chicago, IL July 14-16. This is the eighth consecutive year Becker has competed in the event with at least one of her children, raising awareness and $34,000 during that timeframe to help veterans who are experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Disorder. Submitted photo.
Denise Becker and her daughter, Jessica Verdon, both of Lansing, headed to Chicago, IL the weekend of July 14-16 for the annual Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon event. This is the eighth year in a row Becker and at least one of her children have completed the half marathon event to raise awareness and money to help veterans who are experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Together, the mother/daughter duo ran the 5K race Saturday and the J4 marathon Sunday, continuing with the belief that "If we send them, we must mend them." Although they run several races throughout the year to try and spread awareness, Becker says this run is when they ask the community to get involved and donate money to go to the local Veterans Administration and programs that help veterans get the help they need to overcome these disorders.
Every year, Becker Electric matches donations raised. This year the duo raised $2203, with the match bringing this year's total to $4406. The eight-year total raised and donated by Becker and her family approaches $34,000. "This could not have been done without the generous donations from the family, friends and businesses," she acknowledged.
This year, Becker says the money will go to Thunder Rode, a therapeutic horseback riding program that works with Tri-State Thunder Vets (www.thunderrode.org); to Warrior Hike, which provides group therapy for veterans during long hikes (www.warriorhike.org); and to the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs to enable that department to provide the books, "Vietnam War Commemoration" and "Boots on Ground in Vietnam," free of charge to veterans and their families.
Anyone who is a veteran or who knows a veteran suffering from PTSD or TBI and who may have questions or concerns is urged to contact their local Veterans Administration for help and guidance as soon as they are able.
