Operation Run For Their Lives - 9/11 Campaign 2019

NOTE: Pledges and Donations will be accepted through Wednesday, 18 September 2019.

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My name is Dustin Canestorp and I’m a Marine Corps combat veteran that suffers from Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and survivor’s guilt. There have been stretches of my life where a day didn’t go by that I didn’t think of killing myself. In an effort to find solutions and coping skills to deal with my demons I discovered ultra running and help establish the Bravo Alpha Initiative, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit.

My introduction to running goes all the way back to my childhood, was normal everyday life while serving in the Marine Corps, but it wasn’t until my post military career when running became a calling for a higher purpose… to save my life.

On 11 September 2019 at Raleigh Brewing Company in Raleigh, North Carolina I will step on a treadmill at 9:11 AM and start running for the next 9 hours and 11 minutes. I believe I can complete between 30 - 50 miles. I’m asking you to pledge any amount between $0.25 - $0.10 per mile. Raleigh Brewing Company will be webcasting it live through their Facebook page so you can follow along on my progress or you can stop by their location day of the event, have a pint of beer and shout encouragements.

Additionally, please show your support by recording a video of yourself running or walking up to 9 minutes and 11 seconds long and posting on your personal Facebook page or streaming as a Facebook Live segment on your profile anytime between 4 - 18 September 2019. Please hashtag #OperationRFTL. If you find yourself in a position that can’t contribute monetarily, then please consider this option and help us bring awareness to Operation Run For Their Lives. Also, please share the OperationRFTL.com link liberally with your friends, family and coworkers.

I’m doing this fundraiser to raise money for Bravo Alpha. Their mission is to support veterans and first responders in their efforts to recover from Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and prevent Self Destructive Actions (SDA). Over a decade ago, the Veterans Administration (VA) published a report that stated as a fact that veterans are killing themselves at a rate of 22 per day. That is almost 1 per hour! During this time the statistics have changed and that number has gone down as low as 15 Veteran suicides per day. However, last year the VA updated their report and announced the number has gone back up to 19 Veteran suicides per day.

Bravo Alpha defines first responders as police, fire fighters and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. Many veterans that leave active duty in the military find a lot of familiarity in the domestic uniform services of first responders. There is no over arching organization that governs first responders nation wide. Statistics on first responder suicides are highly under reported. However, through research the following statement is true… there are more first responders that die by their own hand than in the line of duty! Think about that for a minute, it is a staggering fact.

This is an epidemic of epic proportions and I’m asking for your monetary and non-financial support. The scars of our veterans and first responders may not be visible but the pain is real. This is my pain, this is YOUR pain and TOGETHER we can turn these obstacles from an obstruction to “The Way.”

You can find out more about Bravo Alpha and the work they do by visiting them online at BravoAlpha.org

**Check out our online auction and bid today. **All proceeds benefit Operation RFTL. Thanks!

(Note - silent auction is separate and additional fundraiser for Operation RFTL.)

Note: Pledge It has been generous enough to let us use their platform for free. If you decided to pledge, you’ll be asked if you want to provide a contribution to them as well. This is strictly up to you and understand that Bravo Alpha Initiative receives any of that amount. Pledge It has been used by other notable nonprofits like St. Jude, American Cancer Society, etc. We appreciate Pledge It’s support and your understanding.