Paddle For Peace

My name is Annie Laurie Balthazar, an Iraqi War veteran. I recently finished paddling the entire Mississippi River, 2,200+ miles from Source to Sea. It served as an indescribable form of Outdoor Therapy for me.  I am raising money for my newly-established  Foundation, Paddle For Peace, a Not-For-Profit 501(c)(3).Your donations will be instrumental in purchasing the necessary gear and supporting the efforts & requirements for river expeditions in West Virginia. These adventures will be offered to combat veterans enduring PTSD ( Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ) & other war-related afflictions. Residents of my home state, Wild & Wonderful West Virginia, and bordering states are encouraged to consider this form of outdoor therapy. These  expeditions will be offered several times a year, primarily on West Virginia rivers, ranging from 25-200 miles. I anticipate launching my first expedition Spring 2016. I am passionately committed to this mission, as nearly half of Iraq and Afghanistan vets, my fellow comrades,  have received mental health diagnoses including post-traumatic stress, which can lead to high rates of alcohol or drug abuse, domestic violence and suicide. I would be greatly honored to utilize your money to be directly applied to this highly beneficial form of outdoor therapy.
Finding Inner Peace & Praying for World Peace,
Annie Laurie Balthazar (Major USAF, 1996-2007)
[email redacted]