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Fundraiser to support injured VETS!

 With 4th of July approaching.... 

Please Read this wonderful story about how I am trying to raise money to gives back to the injured troops. 

 

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My name is Colleen Syc, I am a wife and a mother of three who served 8 years in the US Navy and is currently a police officer in Lake Forest.  Attached are a few photos of me displaying some of the Navy's uniforms.

 

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 In January, I am going to Run in the 2015 Run Disney Marathon! I am reaching for the stars and setting my standards high by choosing to run in the Dopey Challenge- This consists of: 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon (13.1mi) and Full Marathon (26.2mi) a total of 48.6 miles over 4 consecutive days to raise money for our vets.

 

 I am choosing to run for CAL (Catch a Lift) an organization dedicated to helping veterans to become physically and mentally fit again. The philosophy of CAL is that through the belief that physical fitness you can achieve your highest potential for a healthy mind and body.

 

During my 8 (eight) years in the United States Navy I saw people in the military struggle with injuries and mental illness then become physically unfit and remain that way through an unhealthy lifestyle.

 

Running for the vets and their physical and mental wellness through CAL is inspirational and totally motivates me to give back! I have always tried to motivate and give my limited time for a "shipmate" or brother/sister in blue to start getting on track to live healthier. It’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle. It’s not a one week attempt, it’s a plan, a goal and a lot of hard work and dedication to achieve the results and image you want.

 

As a current police officer, my mind set is "every day I don't work out, the bad guy does." I lived by the words "I hate running!", I don't have time for the gym, I made excuses." Now, I have realized, I need to run. I enjoy it, I like the feeling I get after stepping out of the gym! I love giving up TV, and saying no to fast food, because I am setting goals and achieving them. When people say, "I wish I could lose weight." I respond with, "You can!" You just have to choose what's more important. TV or your health, Food or your Health, Drinking or your health, most importantly Family and your health. You have to be Healthy to live and spend time with your family and friends. You have to change your lifestyle. You have to balance your goals, make time and achieve your dreams.

 

 I was born and raised in in Rochester, New York and moved to Illinois when I served my final tour in the Navy about 7 years ago. I only left the Navy after starting a family and found how important my family is to me and realized there was no way I could leave for years at a time without them. My three young children (4years, 3years, and 6months) are my world. As a police officer, I need to stay healthy for not only myself but for my children. I want my children to be proud of me, and to see, if you set your goals, set your dreams, focus, and work hard everything is achievable.

 

 I want to give back, I want to dedicate my time and efforts into raising money for CAL with Catch a lift, I want to give to my "military family" who have suffered. Any wounded or injured veteran, service member that has been honorably discharged or retired military personnel, that has served in the Iraq or Afghanistan Wars can apply themselves for catchalift sponsorship. Wounded veterans from all service branches are eligible. I think by having them boost their self-esteem and their confidence levels will continue to shoot for the stars. Being wounded was not by choice. This happened to a good person who gave the oath that they will do anything to defend our Country. Below are some eye opener facts. By saving just one life; you are realistically saving many! • Research has shown that early intervention through physical fitness results in successful rehabilitation for wounded veterans. • Returning veterans Post 9-11: 53,000+ wounded, 320,000 with TBI and over 400,000 with PTSD • Suicide rate amongst returning veterans: 22 per day; that is 1 veteran every 65 minutes.(DVA 2/2014). Over 30% of returning veterans have considered suicide. • 120-150 minutes of exercise weekly greatly improves overall health, helps to control weight, reduces the risk of heart disease, strengthens bones and muscles and improves mental health.

 

CATCH A LIFT was started as a memorial to Cpl. Chris Coffland and founded on his lifelong philosophy that through physical fitness you can achieve your highest potential for a healthy mind and body. His dedication and mindfulness to physical fitness was part of a daily regimen his entire life. He actively encouraged others to participate as well, so that they could lead a healthier and well balanced life. Everyday Coffland would say "I'm goin' catch a lift"; his way of saying, he was off to the gym. In keeping with Coffland's commitment to fitness and his dedication to the wellness of others, CAL will assist wounded veterans to become physically and mentally fit again through gifted gym memberships. MISSION To help wounded post 9-11 service members start and maintain their healing process, both mentally and physically, through physical fitness by providing them with gifted gym memberships or home gym equipment, anywhere in the United States.

 

 Please help me Achieve my fundraising goals. Please take the time and donate whatever you can. Let us help our troops and let’s make a difference. Feel good knowing that you gave to others, now its your time to say I can! I will and I am going to make this commitment to living healthy. I am important too. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. All donations are tax deductible. Please consider making a donation. Catch A Lift is a non-profit 501 (C)(3) organization, TAX ID#27-3901149

 

If I reach my goal of $7,000 I will be sponsored by catch a lift and be provided with their spot at the 2015 Disney Marathon Weekend and will be provided lodging for the FIVE (5) nights. Again, thank you so much Officer Colleen Syc (Former Master at Arms (MA2) with the United States Navy) Please be Generous and make tax free charitable donations to:

 fundly.com/help-wounded-veterans-with-catch-a-lift

 

As of June 26, 2014- I have only raised 11% of my goal.  Please help me reach this wonderful goal.

 

Your generous donation has begun to help the healing process of a veteran that has sacrificed a part of their life for yours.

 

Thank you in advance,

Officer Syc

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