My name is CamE and I am the founder of Running for Combat Veterans.
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.
My recovery has been an ever-changing process. I have found healing in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest more so than I ever could through doctors, therapists, or chemicals. Mountain running has helped to bring recovery from injuries/pain, PTSD/trauma acquired while waiting on the US Army/Washington Army National Guard to approve much needed medical procedures for medical injuries I encountered while serving in the U.S. Army and Washington National Guard for 7.5 years.
Upon my return home from deployments (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.
Why 'Running for Combat Veterans'?
When I returned home to Washington State in August 2009, I was denied ALL healthcare services through the US Army and Washington Army National Guard. My only option was to wait for healthcare through Veterans Affairs (VA) 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 care, I had lengthy delays in my healing. In the recovery room after my 9th surgery -of 20 now in total, I vowed to become an advocate for all veterans who had fallen through the cracks of the system as I had. Deprived of access to the treatment and rehabilitation I needed, instead I devoted myself to strict daily training, a very healthy lifestyle, vitamin supplements, and long hikes/runs in the mountains. I would learn to train as an athlete again. Not only to raise awareness of the issues our veterans struggle with (suicide, PTSD, disabilities due lengthy wait times for healthcare), continue to share my story and be a support network for other veterans as well.
With a lack of funds and effective 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/pain and trauma/PTSD for veterans, life struggles can quickly turn lethal.
Veterans who have laid their lives on the line for their country need support. I run for those veterans who cannot run themselves. I run to bring awareness about the high rates of Veterans with disabilities and PTSD. I run in memory of my fellow comrades who have lost their battles to suicide at a staggering rate of 22+ a day. I run to give hope and inspiration to those struggling.
In 2016, I woke from hip surgery to find myself showcased in award-winning running photography in both Trail Runners Magazine and the Washington Trail Association 2017 Cover and Calendars. I was inspired to use this recognition to make a change for all Veterans and was finally able to found, Running For Combat Veterans 501(c)(3) Non Profit, in 2018.
In the 15 years I have spent advocating for myself and others while awaiting medical treatment/surgical intervention with no other options but the VA, I found the greatest sense of solace in the mountains. I accepted my road to recovery would take years to complete. I learned to function around my ailments while I waited. I began to again train as an athlete, safely and diligently with the support and guidance of my treatment team (physical therapists, chiropractor, medical doctors, and coaches) to get my mind and body back after each procedure and stay healthy as I waited an undetermined amount of time for the next. I also prayed to God for his guidance and the good fortune to run well and to make a name for RFCV and our mission.
I have now undergone 20 surgeries and some 68+ surgical injection procedures -one of many painful VA requirements of "treatment" before any consideration for surgical intervention is authorized.
During times in my medical journey when my upper body was being "fixed" I was able to run/race. I ran races to gain healthcare funds for my fellow brothers and sisters in arms affected by suicide, PTSD and disabilities gained due to delayed healthcare benefits. I ran to raise money for those stuck waiting in the system for healthcare approvals. I believe that help with even one medical bill or mental health appointment when in dire need could save a veteran’s life. Just as veterans have laid their lives on the line for you fighting for your freedom, now they need your support too.
Donations are used to provide financial and medical support for any combat veteran with a valid Honorable Discharge from Active Duty (DD214), with the ultimate goal of reforming the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System for all, nationwide.
Running for Combat Veterans (RFCV) goals are as follows:
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Run to raise awareness of Veterans with disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and for those who have lost their battle to suicide. 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.
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Collect donations for every mile run for the following:
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First, to fund the establishment of our 501(c) (3) Non-Profit organization (RFCV).
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Most importantly, to help alleviate hardships Veterans face when in need of services they cannot get funded through our State, Nation, Military, Veteran Funds or Veterans Affairs Healthcare System for any of the following: medical care, mental health care, housing, employment or food.
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Reform the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System Nationwide. Currently, Veterans are forced into an ineffective system. With no other permissible options for coverage, Veterans must wait on the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, which simply does not work. The VAHC is confusing, full of loopholes, requires loads of paperwork to be completed and hoops (for providers and Veterans) to jump through in order to gain approvals/authorizations for care. The system is far from cost-effective. And most providers and nearly all specialty care providers deny services to Veterans in our communities.
WILL YOU JOIN ME? Share? Donate?
Let's continue to help our Nation’s heroes get the support they need in order to receive the healthcare they deserve.
Please consider donating to Running for Combat Veterans.
We are in an era where the phrase, "UNITED WE STAND," is of utmost importance to all people of our Nation, especially our Veterans! Your support helps to reaffirm this statement.
Thank you so much for your support!