Empowering veterans and first responders through community support, transformative programs and Race for a Soldier
By Thomas Williams
The Permission to Start Dreaming (PTSD) Foundation, located at 3733 Rosedale Street, Suite 100, in Gig Harbor, Washington, stands as a powerful testament to the resilience and dedication of its founder, Leslie Mayne. This foundation is more than just an organization; it's a movement committed to providing hope and healing to veterans, first responders and their families.
Leslie, the founding director, began this journey out of a deeply personal tragedy. "In 2009, I became a Gold Star Mother when I lost my oldest son, Kyle, who was a U.S. Army Iraq War veteran, who struggled with post-traumatic stress and a traumatic brain injury," she shares. "We lost Kyle to the invisible wounds of combat that too many of our nation's heroes also succumb to. At that time, I knew the trajectory of my life had changed, and my mission was to do whatever I could so that no one who serves this country would have to face what Kyle did. Our service members deserve better."
The foundation's flagship event, Race for a Soldier, began in 2011 with an annual 2-mile and half-marathon running race and Prayer Breakfast aimed at raising awareness of the struggles faced by military veterans and first responders. "The Race for a Soldier was run for all the other Kyles out there to know that we are with them," Leslie explains. The Prayer Breakfast was a place to provide hope and inspiration through their stories."
The overwhelming community support led to the incorporation of the Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation as a nonprofit in 2013. "We were overwhelmed at how the community came together to support and not only raise funds but to join us in this movement," Leslie recounts. By 2017, the foundation had expanded its event calendar to include the Swing for a Soldier Golf Tournament and the Pull for a Soldier Trap Shoot Competition, all aimed at providing hope and healing.
Proceeds from these events fund effective programs and resources for veterans and first responders. "About 10 years ago, we learned about the science of post-traumatic growth (PTG), the positive psychological transformation that can happen after trauma, and the Warrior PATH (Progressive and Alternative Training for Helping Heroes) program," Leslie notes. Today, the foundation operates the only Warrior PATHH program in the Pacific Northwest, offering this transformative program at no cost to participants.
Race for a Soldier distinguishes itself through its mission and the vibrant community spirit, empowerment and motivation it fosters. "Race For A Soldier is also a powerfully positive day of running and walking, where the community comes alongside our military and first responders and shows them they are not alone," Leslie explains. The event features high-energy music, cheering along the course, and volunteers treating participants like VIPs, creating an atmosphere of support and connection.
For Leslie and the foundation, the most rewarding aspect of their work is the community support, which is evident during their annual Prayer Breakfast and Race Weekend. “Each year, when we hold our Prayer Breakfast and Race Weekend – always the first weekend in September – we are overwhelmed by the turnout and encouragement we receive,” Leslie says. The involvement of local military, law enforcement and firefighters underscores the region’s strong commitment to all those who serve our country and communities.
The foundation's success is attributed to Leslie and a small group of dedicated allies who believed they could make a difference. According to Race Director Jeff Bauknecht, "The community of sponsors, volunteers and participants, who have devoted financial, time, and other personal resources to establish and strengthen the foundation's events, are directly responsible for the impact on those we serve," The foundation's programs, particularly Warrior PATHH, are considered the gold standard in post-traumatic growth, emphasizing the importance of turning adversity into positive psychological change.
Leslie has lived in Gig Harbor since the mid-1990s, returning as a single mother of four to raise her family. "This is a very welcoming community – local businesses and organizations regularly support our events," she says. The foundation's board members are also deeply embedded in the local community, contributing to its vibrancy.
Leslie invites everyone to join the movement. "Come and join us. Stand in the gap with us. Wrap your arms around those who serve and let them know they ARE NOT ALONE," she urges. "Whether individuals participate, volunteer in our events, or partner with us as sponsors, our overriding objective is to show our military and first responders that they are not alone."
For more information, you are welcome to stop by the PTSD Foundation, visit their website at PTSDFoundation.org, or call 253.432.6502. Together, we can provide hope and healing to those who serve.
Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation
3733 Rosedale Street, Suite 100
Gig Harbor, Washington 98335
253.432.6502
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