"Run for the Cause" grows in its fourth year

For the fourth year in a row, Denise Becker of Lansing and members of her family ran the Chicago Rock and Roll half-marathon to raise awareness and money for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). This year her son-in-law, Ben Verdon, joined the group and ran his first half-marathon. With generous donations from family, friends and businesses they raised $4,560 for the Allamakee County Veterans Affairs office. The funds are used for educational materials, counseling, and this year Veterans Affairs is hoping to be able to set up a retreat for local veterans having a hard time acclimating back into society as they return from combat. Pictured  left to right are Ben Verdon, Jessica Verdon, Denise Becker, Caleb Verdon and Jennifer Becker.
Over the past four years, Becker and her family have raised almost $15,000 that has remained in the local community and been used to help out veterans suffering from PTSD/TBI. "Thankfully, statistics are showing that suicides related to PTSD have declined," Becker shared. "There has been an increase in interest and knowledge related to the disorder and many more programs available to our veterans."
Any veteran, or anyone who may know a veteran, who is struggling with PTSD or TBI is asked to contact the local Veterans Affairs office. In Allamakee County, call 563-568-6135. Submitted photo.