Schmidt to Stand Up Paddle Against Depression

Will Schmidt to paddle from Catalina to Dana Point, California to bring awareness to PTSD.

DANA POINT, California - In a little less than two weeks, on April 6, 2013 Will Schmidt plans on stand up paddling from Catalina Island to Dana Point California. ·There have been others to make this trek, but this time it's for a unique cause. 

Schmidt is a former Marine and was a stinger missile gunner who fought in Afghanistan and Kosovo.  He is paddling the approximate 40 miles solo (with an escort crew close by) to raise awareness to PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  This is something that both he and his father have suffered from and anything he can do to assist others to work through the challenge of this disorder is what he wants to accomplish by bringing it to the forefront and by doing some fundraising. 

"It is of the utmost importance to me that I raise awareness for those who suffer from this silent and undiagnosable disease. I served five years as a combat vehicle crewman in the United States Marine Corps and although my condition is not completely military related, I have a genuine understanding and compassion for military members suffering from PTSD and other mental ailments without adequate help. I plan to donate every dollar that I raise during my fundraiser after expenses to the Wounded Warrior Project" said Schmidt.  

The journey is set for April 6th, 2013, however, the fundraising ends on April 1st.  For more details, to contribute and to learn more about Will Schmidt please visit his fundraising page at Stand Up Paddle Against Depression - A Personal Journey.  

Would you ever paddle from Catalina to Dana Point?

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