My name is CamE Tasker and I am the founder of Running for Combat Veterans, a 501(c)(3) Non Profit based out of Washington State. I am a female combat veteran and life-long, multi-sport athlete who was wounded serving in the US Army/US Washington National Guard during my time in service. I have found healing in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest more so than I ever could through doctors, thera
pists, or chemicals. Mountain running has helped to bring recovery from injuries/pain, PTSD, and trauma while waiting on the US ARMY and Washington Army National Guard to approve much needed medical procedures for medical injuries I encountered after serving in the U.S. Army and Washington National Guard for 7.5 years. Upon my return home from deployments (2008-2009), I sought treatment for injuries sustained during my time in service, only to discover I had been dropped by the very system I was serving to uphold and protect.
When I returned home to Washington State in August 2009, I was denied ALL immediate healthcare services through the US Army and Washington Army National Guard. My only option was to wait for care through Veterans Affairs Healthcare System. I found that, like thousands of veterans returning from deployment, my struggles were largely due to inefficiencies in the system and bureaucratic "red tape." Wait times were compounded since no two body parts are allowed to receive care at the same time.
Due to the immense bureaucracy involved in veterans healthcare, I had lengthy delays in my healing. In the recovery room after my 9th surgery in August of 2016, I vowed to become an advocate for all Combat Veterans who had fallen through the same cracks of the system as I had. Deprived of access to the medical treatment I needed, instead I committed myself to strict daily training, a very healthy lifestyle, vitamin supplements
-no chemical medications, and long hikes/runs outdoors and in the mountains. I would train again as the athlete I always had been and I would learn to run. Not only to raise awareness of the issues our veterans struggle with (su***de, PTSD, disabilities due lengthy wait times for healthcare) but also to have the best chance of recovery afterwards. And to get into the best shape before undergoing these surgeries/procedures for the best chance of recovering quickly and efficiently. Lastly, to continue to share my story and be a support network for other struggling veterans.
With a lack of funds and effective timely healthcare, our veterans have the hardest time getting reintegrated back into society after deployments. We leave our lives abruptly when called to serve our country but when returning home, we need employment, housing, food, healthcare (medical and mental health) and financial support to reintegrate. When these provisions are denied by our military, state, and nation due to denials, failed programs, and immense amounts of paperwork, we suffer the costs and they are GREAT. With such high rates of disabilities and PTSD among veterans, life struggles can quickly turn lethal.
Veterans who have laid their lives on the line for their country need support. I have now undergone 18 major surgeries and 89+ surgical injection procedures (one of many forced requirements to exhaust ALL other treatment options and the only way to get approved for these much needed surgeries) since my return home from my deployment(s) and working on receiving the proper healthcare, 15 years ago. I run for those veterans who cannot run themselves. I run to bring awareness to the high rates of veterans with disabilities and PTSD and the untrue stigma the media portrays of veterans diagnosed with PTSD -the diagnosis also needs advocacy for REFORM. I run in memory of my fellow comrades who have lost their battles to su***de at a staggering rate of 22+ a day. I run to give hope and inspiration to those still struggling. Running for Combat Veterans (RFCV) goals are as follows:
1) We run to raise awareness of veterans with disabilities and post traumatic stress disorder and those have lost their battles to su***de. We run to raise awareness about the only healthcare system our veterans are entitled to and that most healthcare providers and specialty care clinics deny coverage for: The Veterans Affairs Healthcare System.
2) We aim to collect donations for for every mile we run for the following:
a. First, to fund establishment of our 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (RFCV). Most importantly, to help alleviate hardships veterans face when in need of services they cannot get funded through our State/US, Military, veteran funds or Veterans Affairs Healthcare System: medical, mental health, housing, employment, food.
3) We aim to reform the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System Nationwide and begin a new Healthcare System that works for all veterans of any age and era, alike. Simply, the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System does not work. It is confusing, there are far too many loopholes in the system and "hoops" providers and veterans are forced to "jump through" in order to gain approvals for care. The system is far from cost-effective and here in Washington State, most providers (and nearly all specialty care providers) are allowed to deny services to veterans in our communities. Currently, the VA is the only Healthcare System available to all of our Veterans. Will you join me? Let's help our Nation’s heroes get the support they so need by receiving the healthcare they so deserve. Please consider donating to Running for Combat Veterans. Thank you so much for your support!
