The Battle Buddy Foundation

Mandy has a huge heart especially when it comes to veterans and amputees. In 2018, she climbed Pikes Peak to help others, in hopes of easing their burdens. 
She chose two valiantly worthy organizations in order to bring donations to:
“For my birthday fundraiser I want to bring donations and awareness to The Battle Buddy Foundation and Operation Ward 57. I spent a lot of time researching worthy foundations and found that these are remarkable in their individual missions and stories.

I chose The Battle Buddy Foundation because their organization is founded by veteran Kenny Bass, a Marine combat veteran from the Iraqi War who was injured by an IED explosion in 2003. After a grueling recovery process with the V.A. it was determined that he would be left on his own in a last stitch effort to find some solace from PTSD, Depression, Anxiety and a heavy medication load. That solace came in the form of his service dog, Atlas. However, the VA does not cover any part of the acquisition or training of a service animal leaving him to pay at cost nearly $15,000 for Atlas. He decided then that no other veteran should have to experience those struggles. With the help of TBBF President and Marine combat veteran Joshua Rivers, in 2013 the organization was launched. Their mission? Assisting veterans, of all eras, in the acquisition of service dogs, while providing a network of peer support and activity, and promoting education and awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), the current veteran suicide epidemic, and the live saving benefits of highly trained service dogs. All of this with absolutely no cost to the veteran because of generous sponsors, donors, and the incredible support at their fundraising events.
I climbed the incline to raise awareness for PTSD, Depression, Anxiety not because I am a veteran, but because it is something I suffer from as well after being struck by a locomotive in 2014, severing my legs above the knees. Currently, 22 veterans a day commit suicide without ever being given the opportunity to find the solace, that sometimes only “man’s best friend” can provide. I was blessed that my dogs chose me, and on some days they’re the only thing that can bring me out of bed. When I came across the Battle Buddy foundation, I wanted to jump at the opportunity to aid their cause. I feel honored and excited to meet

Kenny and Atlas before I hike on!”