Although I go to college and am currently interning in the beautiful state of West Virginia, my heart will always have a special place for my hometown of Shadyside, Ohio. The Ohio Valley knows us for our excellent football team, our Tiger pride, and especially our famously known main road, "the loop." Every third weekend in June my hometown shuts down the loop and throws a big party for alumni, residents, and visitors from near and far. Everyone is welcome to walk the loop, where food, craft vendors, activities for children, and more are provided.
For those of you who don't know, June is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) month. PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder. It can occur after you have gone through an extreme emotional trauma that involved the threat of injury or death. About 67 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from PTSD. My hometown has tried to bring attention to this disorder by starting the "Miles for Mike" 5k Run/Walk in honor of veteran Sgt. Michael Karkowski, who was diagnosed with PTSD and severe depression after returning home from Afghanistan. Sadly, in 2009 he took his own life.
His wife and two children started "Miles for Mike" in October 2013 to help bring awareness to this invisible wound. The 5k takes place on the loop and the east side of town, where the terrain is flat so many can easily participate. Unfortunately, I had another commitment the night of the 5k this year, but heard wonderful things about the turnout. After seeing photos of the event on social media, I had goosebumps; to think that my little hometown of 3,800 people made a commitment and came out to support both the Karkowski family and awareness of PSTD is an amazing feeling. Although it is under tragic circumstances, this family has taken the negative and created a positive event in honor of Mike in the hope that they can help prevent another family from going through the same tragedy. As many soldiers continue to return home, it is important that all family members know about and look for the signs of PTSD. Although I love the Shadyside Tigers, it is nice to see Shadyside put on the map for something other than our athletics. It shows that no matter what the situation, we are a tight-knit community. I am positive that "Miles for Mike" will be a successful event, bringing awareness to PTSD for many years to come.
;)
