From rock bottom to 3,000 km: One veteran’s mission to fight PTSD stigma

Chad Kennedy is walking across Canada sharing his struggles with PTSD. He made a stop in at Echelon Wellness in Kingston.

A Canadian veteran who once planned to take his own life is walking across Eastern Canada in 2025 to raise awareness and funds for mental health. 

Chad Kennedy, the President/Founder of The Sea to Sea for PTSD mission starts in St. John’s, N.L., and ends on Pelee Island, Ont., in support of First Responder Families First and Can Praxis. The initiative helps bring first responder families to Alberta for therapy programs.

Kennedy, a former member of the Alberta Sheriff Highway Patrol, was diagnosed with PTSD in 2018. His struggles intensified after responding to the deadly Columbia Icefields bus crash in 2020. Months later, he reached a breaking point.

Moments before his planned suicide, Kennedy instead committed to walking across Canada, sharing his story of trauma, healing, and resilience.
All proceeds from the trek will fund mental health programs for public safety personnel, military members, and northern communities.

Kennedy gives a piece of advice for those currently struggling with PTSD.

In addition, the initiative is aligned with organizations like Echelon Wellness, a pioneering Canadian clinic exclusively serving Veterans and RCMP members. With multiple locations all over Canada, Echelon offers integrated care and help with Veterans Affairs and Blue Cross paperwork, completely covered and designed to remove barriers for their patients.

Veteran Ambassador, Patti Potts tells us more:

Unlike many other claim preparation companies, Echelon doesn't have any service fees for veterans and RCMP's.

We also heard from Veteran Ambassador Bruce Frampton who has advice for fellow veterans:

From coast to coast, Kennedy’s walk is more than a fundraiser, it’s a lifeline, reminding veterans and first responders that recovery is possible, and help is always within reach.

Story by Alyssa Brush