The cost of being a First Responder.

Today I read about another passing of a first responder because of suicide. Sadly, it is the cost of being of service for far too many who choose these careers. I know this is not an easy topic, it's heartbreaking.

Often when first responders retire, they take with them the haunting and debilitating memories that create anxiety and for some PTSD. I witnessed this with my husband, who served for 30 years as a firefighter.

I decided after losing our therapy dog we had to write our collective stories and we are currently running a fundraiser to launch a legacy project and we need you.

Michael Dibblee. writes this excerpt.

"I can't believe I did this; I would never have ever thought about writing the hard parts of being a first responder, but Jo, my wife, said that sharing and writing the tragic details of being a first responder would help me and could help others, and she was right.

At 18 years old, I knew I wanted to be a Firefighter with the Calgary Fire Department more than anything else. I served in Calgary for 30 years, and there is not a thing I would have changed for the most part. I loved being a Firefighter.

All careers have difficult times, but we see things most people will never see as first responders; it's part of the job. And even the most resilient of us eventually see something we can not unsee no matter what we do.

Sharing my stories in Bella's Dash, although at times difficult, was a large part of my healing. Without Bella, our pup, who was bigger than life in every way, who sat by my side in some of the darkest moments, I would not be where I am today.

So please help us get the word out and raise funds for Bella's Dash and the project. The purpose of the book is to help people who navigate anxiety and worse PTSD, be it first responders or civilians and support the rescue dogs who serve us.

We are raising funds for organizations in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

I would appreciate you sharing and supporting our fundraiser."

Just click the link, and it will take you directly to the page. https://igg.me/at/2ksUcuKJqj4/x/24047709#/

All support is appreciated.