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Niagara Beyond The Blue hosts Niagara Falls Illumination Event to welcome Chad Kennedy from Sea To Sea For PTSD

Aug. 17, 2022, Niagara Falls, Ont. – On Thursday August 4, Niagara Falls was illuminated in teal in recognition of PTSD. To welcome and support Chad Kennedy (Sea To Sea For PTSD) and his team on walking across Canada and raising awareness for PTSD, Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, Niagara Regional Police Chief Bryan McCulloch, NRP Association President Patrick McGilly, Inspector Masotti, Niagara Parks Police Inspector Chris Gallagher, Staff Sergeant Nilan Davé, and President of Niagara Beyond The Blue Anna Talving were in attendance along with several officers from both the Niagara Regional Police and the Niagara Parks Police.

At 10 p.m., they were greeted with a fireworks display that Niagara Parks puts on, followed by the teal illumination. Mayor Diodati presented Chad with a welcome speech and gift followed by Chief McCulloch. They both thanked Chad and his team for everything they are doing to bring awareness and break the stigma. The evening was a good opportunity for conversations around mental health and first responders. Every conversation and bringing matters to light is another step in the right direction.

Chad has had the opportunity to be a conversation starter as he makes his way across the country. Communities, first responders, and Beyond The Blue Chapters have been welcoming Chad and holding events as he goes. As president of Niagara Beyond The Blue, Anna Talving was honoured and humbled to host this event and witness the inner strength Chad puts forward on a daily basis to reach his goal.

Chad Kennedy is a 13-year veteran with Alberta Sheriff Highway Patrol who sustained a life changing mental injury as a result of an accident that occurred in the mountainous terrain in rural Alberta.

“My life felt like it was over,” he said. The symptoms of Operational Stress Injuries such as PTSI/PTSD are isolating and dangerous to those who struggle. “Terry Fox was an inspiration to me as a child. His fight and determination to raise money to find a cure for cancer, catapulted my mission and the inception of Sea to Sea for PTSD. I, in no way am insinuating I am an icon like Terry Fox. I am just a guy; I want to ensure that people who are silently fighting everyday to make it to the next will have properly funded programs they can access without the hefty price tag. Many specialized OSI and PTSD programs are not covered by municipal and provincial workman compensation boards, services or associations, or benefits providers.”