Skydiving with a Purpose: Local U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Base Jumps from Camelback Mountain to Awareness of Veteran Suicide |
Tori J. Ross
3 min read
PHOENIX, January 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Suicide is the second leading cause of death among veterans after 9/11. Navy veteran and Arizona State University old students Tristan Wimer returns to the skies of his hometown to draw attention to this national crisis.
On January 29, 2022, Wimmer will team up with four other veterans to perform 22 BASE jumps off Camelback Mountain – 22 is symbolic of the 22 United States Active Duty and Veterans who succumb to suicide each day. The jumps will take place as part of the 3rd annual 22-jump event at Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, AZ, beginning at 6 a.m. (MST).
After overcoming its symbolism $22,000 fundraising goal last year, Wimmer and his team hope to raise another $22000 for 2022. Donations can also be made online at https://www.22jumps.org/donate/ or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1062751280953306/.
Wimmer’s brother committed suicide in 2015 after suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Iraq while serving in the United States Marine Corps. The event, 22 Jumps, began in 2020 as a tribute to his brother, but quickly garnered local and national media attention, as well as support from the brain injury, mental health and veteran communities, and countless families affected by the suicides of veterans. Since then, Wimmer’s effort, 22Jumps.org, has been granted nonprofit status and grown into a national initiative with more than $100,000 raised through several events. All funds raised go to support Cohen Veteran Bioscience (CVB), a non-profit biomedical research organization dedicated to accelerated, precision diagnostics and tailored therapies for traumatic brain injury, a major risk factor for suicide.
Founder and 22Jumps.org veteran Tristan Wimmer said-
“Head injuries disproportionately affect servicemen and women. I personally know dozens of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotional management issues, many of whom have succumbed to suicide. The effects of these deployments persist long after they return home. I’m honored to raise funds for CVB, an organization that recognizes the need to develop new treatment options for the millions of veterans and civilians who suffer from traumatic brain injuries and other mental health issues in order to finally tackle the epidemic of suicide among veterans, advocates like CVB, and we need more science that embraces the complexity of this veteran-laden illness.”
Quick facts about brain injuries and veteran suicide:
- 19% of Iraqi and Afghan veterans reported probable TBI while deployed.
- Veteran suicides represent a disproportionate proportion (14%) of the total number of suicides in the United States.
- TBI and PTSD have taken a huge toll on veteran populations. With more than 2.7 million men and women deployed to support combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001, the likelihood and burden of these brain diseases will only increase.
- Less than 50% of all veterans in need receive any type of mental health diagnosis or treatment
MEDIA INVITATION:
Interview with Magali HaasMD, PhD, CEO and President of Cohen Veterans Bioscience
dr. Magali Haas will present “How Cohen Veterans Bioscience Supports Trauma Care Model Transformation” and will be available for interviews immediately after the short presentation which will take place during 22 Jumps’ after the occasion fundraising celebration.
Or: Cider Corps, 31 S. Robson #103, Mesa, AZ When: January 29, 2022, 7 p.m.
Dr. Haas will also be available for interviews during the pre-event gathering of donors.
Or: Rooster’s Tavern, 14202 North Scottsdale Road When: January 28, 2022, 6 p.m.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24/7/ 365.
About 22 jumps
www.22Jumps.org
The suicide rate among veterans is at an all time high – 22 a day, according to a 2012 study by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Yet despite this burgeoning statistic, little public funding is allocated to the problem. 22 Jumps was founded in 2020 by Tristan Wimmer, Infantryman and Scout Sniper in 2n/a Battalion 1st Marines, in response to the suicide of his brother Kiernan Wimmer. Kiernan was a reconnaissance and MARSOC sailor who toured Afghanistan and toured Iraq. In 2006, Kiernan suffered a massive TBI which diminished his quality of life and contributed to his decision to take his own life.
About Cohen Veterans Bioscience
www.cohenveteransbioscience.org/
Cohen Veterans Bioscience is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit biomedical research and technology organization dedicated to improving brain health by accelerating precision diagnostics and tailored therapies.
Donations: https://www.22jumps.org/donate/
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SOURCE Cohen Veterans Biosciences
