From NYC to Atlanta: Shepherd’s Men Run Aims to Help Reduce Veteran Suicides

Imagine running a half-marathon every day for a week wearing a 22-pound flak jacket. That’s exactly what Shepherd’s Men, a 12-member team of servicemen and civilians, will do to support Shepherd Center’s SHARE Military Initiative. 

Shepherd’s Men’s mission is to raise awareness for treatment options for veterans suffering from mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress (PTS) – and to prevent suicides.

On May 19, the group, along with New York Fire Department members, will climb the 80 stories of Three World Trade Center. Then, it’s on to a series of half-marathons through seven cities - finishing in Atlanta on Memorial Day, May 27.

“We run 22 kilometers each day wearing 22-pound flak jackets to symbolize the number of U.S. veterans who die from suicide each day,” explained Shepherd’s Men co-founder, Travis Ellis. “We want these vets to know they’re not alone, and they have support every step of the way.”

Shepherd’s Men aims to raise $1.2 million to cover a year of clinical expenses for SHARE, a nationally acclaimed program that has treated nearly 700 clients with no suicides – and at no cost to veterans.

Shepherd’s Men Run Schedule:

May 19 – New York City
May 21 – Groton, Connecticut
May 22 – New York City
May 23 – Washington, D.C.
May 24 – Johnson City, Tennessee
May 25 – Nashville, Tennessee
May 26/27 – Athens, Georgia
May 27 – Atlanta, Georgia

What is SHARE?

The SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center is a comprehensive rehabilitation program that focuses on assessment and treatment for active duty or separated service members who have served in the U.S. military since September 11, 2001 and who are experiencing symptoms of or have a diagnosis of mild to moderate brain injury, or concussions and any co-occurring psychological or behavioral health concerns, including post-traumatic stress. Its unique approach is credited with the program’s exceptional success rate.

“There are very few places that specialize in traumatic brain injury with the expertise we have at SHARE,” said SHARE Medical Director Russell Gore, M.D.. “We are laser focused on individualized treatment. Our therapeutic teams help veterans set and achieve personal goals that provide a new sense of purpose. It’s immersive and it works.”

When clients graduate, they get continued help from a life coach who works with them for up to two years.

Corporate Support

As title sponsor of Shepherd’s Men for the fifth year, HD Supply (NASDAQ:HDS) recently made a $50,000 donation to SHARE.

About Shepherd’s Men

For the sixth year, Shepherd’s Men will run to raise awareness and funds for SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center. Private funding makes SHARE’s life-saving program available to post-9/11 veterans. Donations can be made at shepherdsmen.org.