PTSD HIKING FOR HEROES
Donation protected
Dear First Responders,
Dear Citizens saved by Paramedics,
AND, to those who wander forests, footpaths and nurture gardens,
My name is Ron Sonoda, I was a paramedic for 20 years. On June 6, 2011, I was diagnosed with PTSD.
At this cross road, I made a choice—I accepted help and focused on self-healing.
I found courage in small victories—from depression and suicidal thoughts, I took one step at a time, away from the darkness of my bed, and stepped into the light of day—I began to challenge my mind and heart on solitary walks, AND I FOUND a way to recover the ground I once lost to PTSD.
TRUTH—I know there are those of you right now with PTSD who cannot walk or hike or even get of bed—this is not a problem, it’s a starting point.
On September 9, 2019, I began my “PTSD Hiking for Heroes” challenge on the Bruce Trail, a 900km/560 miles journey, AND 40-days later, I completed my wilderness fundraiser.
“In the forest, no matter how far I travelled I always found my way back.
I met many Heroes along the trail willing to empower the lives of those battling PTSD—Ben Porchuk, co-founder of Global Institute of Forest Therapy “GIFT” who is waiting to train First Responders as Forest Therapy Guides, AND, Hugh Morshead, a Sustainable Living Consultant willing to teach homeless First Responders and Military Personnel how to live a minimalist life and create their own “off-the-grid” small home...
FINALLY, I re-encountered my friend, Bryan Stevens, a former critical-care flight paramedic, now living with PTSD—he is the founder and president of Frontline Forward, a complete wellness centre for the mind, body and soul—together, we are embarking on another mission together to advocate, educate, equip and empower the lives of First Responders and Military Personnel living with PTSD.
REALITY—I created this campaign to foster the legacy of one fallen hero. On January 31, 2016, my friend and former paramedic partner, Martin Wood died by suicide.
THE FACE OF A HERO—Martin’s signature trademarks were his love of science, nature, and his BIG overwhelming smile. Martin passionately collected every known outdoor gadget to take on trail, but his favourite piece of hiking equipment was his beat-up coffee mug.
TIP OF THE SPEAR—Martin was the first of 19 paramedics who fell to suicide in 2016—68 FIRST RESPONDER SUICIDES would occur that year.
I wrote a letter to Martin that I know he will never read—it’s also a message to those who experience the darkness of PTSD—it’s a promise to families who have lost a loved one to suicide, and with faith, a final empowering lesson from the HEROES who have forfeited their lives too soon.
Dear Paramedic Martin Wood—my Brother,
WE stood together for many years. WE saved many lives. WE made a difference to those we served. AND, I didn’t know how sick you were—you never told me—I never reached out to you to learn about your deep suffering. I still find it difficult believing how YOU ended—a numbered statistic—a HEROES death by suicide. It’s surreal writing this letter to you—your death has started my journey of healing. Your wife told me that your spirit animal is the Hawk. When I hiked in Nova Scotia, a bald eagle flew as I dipped your mug in the Atlantic Ocean—“I wondered if that was you?” I hiked the Rocky Mountains for you. I christened your coffee mug in a glacial waterfall atop a mountain. When I descended, I walked to the ocean and dipped your mug in the Pacific. I want to cry—I still can’t. I need to help those still here. I want you to know that I carried your beat-up coffee mug on the Bruce Trail to encourage those with PTSD to join me. A solitary Hawk sat in a tree as I began my journey—You were there with me.
I miss You Bro.
HELP take this journey with me by donating to "PTSD Hiking for Heroes.”
INSTAGRAM pics & vids of my journey at “RONIN ONTRAIL”
YOUTUBE adventures of “PTSD Hiking for Heroes” on “RONIN ONTRAIL”
SHARE with your family, friends, and associates by email, Instagram & Facebook.
Q & A “What is PTSD?”
“A traumatic experience of mind, body, and spirit that cripples a person’s existence.”
Q & A “What is a RONIN ONTRAIL?”
RŌNIN is a drifter—a wandering warrior.
TRAIL is a track—made by passage through wilderness.
RONIN ONTRAIL is a drifting, wandering warrior now on track passing through wilderness.
“HEROES exist within the valiant attempt of compassion.”
- r.c.s 2019 -
Hero, Husband, Humble man with a BIG overwhelming smile.
Christening Paramedic Martin Wood's hiking mug in the Pacific Ocean.
Dear Citizens saved by Paramedics,
AND, to those who wander forests, footpaths and nurture gardens,
My name is Ron Sonoda, I was a paramedic for 20 years. On June 6, 2011, I was diagnosed with PTSD.
At this cross road, I made a choice—I accepted help and focused on self-healing.
I found courage in small victories—from depression and suicidal thoughts, I took one step at a time, away from the darkness of my bed, and stepped into the light of day—I began to challenge my mind and heart on solitary walks, AND I FOUND a way to recover the ground I once lost to PTSD.
TRUTH—I know there are those of you right now with PTSD who cannot walk or hike or even get of bed—this is not a problem, it’s a starting point.
On September 9, 2019, I began my “PTSD Hiking for Heroes” challenge on the Bruce Trail, a 900km/560 miles journey, AND 40-days later, I completed my wilderness fundraiser.
“In the forest, no matter how far I travelled I always found my way back.
I met many Heroes along the trail willing to empower the lives of those battling PTSD—Ben Porchuk, co-founder of Global Institute of Forest Therapy “GIFT” who is waiting to train First Responders as Forest Therapy Guides, AND, Hugh Morshead, a Sustainable Living Consultant willing to teach homeless First Responders and Military Personnel how to live a minimalist life and create their own “off-the-grid” small home...
FINALLY, I re-encountered my friend, Bryan Stevens, a former critical-care flight paramedic, now living with PTSD—he is the founder and president of Frontline Forward, a complete wellness centre for the mind, body and soul—together, we are embarking on another mission together to advocate, educate, equip and empower the lives of First Responders and Military Personnel living with PTSD.
REALITY—I created this campaign to foster the legacy of one fallen hero. On January 31, 2016, my friend and former paramedic partner, Martin Wood died by suicide.
THE FACE OF A HERO—Martin’s signature trademarks were his love of science, nature, and his BIG overwhelming smile. Martin passionately collected every known outdoor gadget to take on trail, but his favourite piece of hiking equipment was his beat-up coffee mug.
TIP OF THE SPEAR—Martin was the first of 19 paramedics who fell to suicide in 2016—68 FIRST RESPONDER SUICIDES would occur that year.
I wrote a letter to Martin that I know he will never read—it’s also a message to those who experience the darkness of PTSD—it’s a promise to families who have lost a loved one to suicide, and with faith, a final empowering lesson from the HEROES who have forfeited their lives too soon.
Dear Paramedic Martin Wood—my Brother,
WE stood together for many years. WE saved many lives. WE made a difference to those we served. AND, I didn’t know how sick you were—you never told me—I never reached out to you to learn about your deep suffering. I still find it difficult believing how YOU ended—a numbered statistic—a HEROES death by suicide. It’s surreal writing this letter to you—your death has started my journey of healing. Your wife told me that your spirit animal is the Hawk. When I hiked in Nova Scotia, a bald eagle flew as I dipped your mug in the Atlantic Ocean—“I wondered if that was you?” I hiked the Rocky Mountains for you. I christened your coffee mug in a glacial waterfall atop a mountain. When I descended, I walked to the ocean and dipped your mug in the Pacific. I want to cry—I still can’t. I need to help those still here. I want you to know that I carried your beat-up coffee mug on the Bruce Trail to encourage those with PTSD to join me. A solitary Hawk sat in a tree as I began my journey—You were there with me.
I miss You Bro.
HELP take this journey with me by donating to "PTSD Hiking for Heroes.”
INSTAGRAM pics & vids of my journey at “RONIN ONTRAIL”
YOUTUBE adventures of “PTSD Hiking for Heroes” on “RONIN ONTRAIL”
SHARE with your family, friends, and associates by email, Instagram & Facebook.
Q & A “What is PTSD?”
“A traumatic experience of mind, body, and spirit that cripples a person’s existence.”
Q & A “What is a RONIN ONTRAIL?”
RŌNIN is a drifter—a wandering warrior.
TRAIL is a track—made by passage through wilderness.
RONIN ONTRAIL is a drifting, wandering warrior now on track passing through wilderness.
“HEROES exist within the valiant attempt of compassion.”
- r.c.s 2019 -
Hero, Husband, Humble man with a BIG overwhelming smile.Christening Paramedic Martin Wood's hiking mug in the Pacific Ocean.Fundraising team: PTSD HIKING FOR HEROES (5)
Ron Sonoda
Organizer
Stoney Creek, ON
Warren Sonoda
Team member
Jesse Anne Sonoda
Team member
Grant Rumford
Team member
Louise Holliday
Team member
