Every Step Counts: A Personal Odyssey to Combat Veteran Suicide

With less than a week to plan and prepare, a decision was made: I was going to participate in the 22-hour run event, raising awareness of veteran suicide rates and fundraising for a worthy organization. However, it wasn’t as simple as it sounded. I hadn’t been training, lacked a venue, was unsure about the level of support I’d receive, and had no idea who would benefit from this endeavor.

Facebook made some aspects of this endeavor easy. I created an online fundraiser on Facebook, which automatically directed funds to the organization of our choice. They had an extensive list of organizations to choose from, and I settled on the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, a cause that resonated with me. The beauty of it was that I could easily share this fundraiser across all my social media platforms and encourage my network to do the same.

It was too late to do anything about my training – I was stuck with my current fitness level, which wasn’t ideal for a 22-hour run. One thing was certain – I wasn’t going to be running for the entire duration, and my mileage wouldn’t come close to what Ben accomplished in 2019. Embracing this reality, I decided to call it a walk/jog/run. The pace and mileage were not significant; what mattered was completing 22 hours consecutively, and I was determined to push through.

Several of my friends stepped up to provide support and ensure I was well-equipped for the challenge. My long-time friend Todd, who had completed numerous Ironman events, spent a couple of hours on the phone with me, discussing my gear, supplies, and everything else imaginable. Ben also took the time before the event to double-check that I had everything I needed for success and that my mindset was right.

As for the venue, I found a parkway near my house with a public road and walkway, which I thought should be suitable for the event. I attempted to secure permission and support from the County in a time-sensitive manner, but I encountered several issues with finding an accessible spot for my truck to store supplies.

It wasn’t a perfect plan, but it all came together. Except for the initial hours in the afternoon, I had at least one person with me throughout the entire event. I received texts, social media posts, and direct messages offering support throughout the day and night. Friends and family dropped by, drove past, and walked with me. People brought food and drinks, and by the end of the 22 hours, I had walked with dozens of people. Every hour (except for one slip-up), I dedicated that hour to a veteran. The donations kept flowing in, and the social media exposure continued to grow. By the end of the 22 hours, I had covered a distance of 40.5 miles and raised around $2,700. Given the rapid start and the increasing momentum, I decided to keep the fundraiser open a bit longer and eventually surpassed $3,200.

It was grueling; the temperature fluctuated by 40 degrees from the high to the low, my feet screamed for relief from the weight they carried, and my body yearned for rest after being awake for nearly 28 hours. But all of that was temporary. It was also an emotional journey – I completed 22 hours straight, raised substantial funds, and increased awareness. I received an incredible amount of support, assistance, and love. So many people checked in on me in person or remotely. I was never alone, and a constant stream of support, reassurance, love, and kindness flowed my way. Many individuals don’t have that level of support in their lives, and they navigate their difficult times alone. I want to do what I can to change that.

That struck me so clearly, I wrote in my FB feed when it was completed:

I don’t know how true it is that “Everyone Needs a Steve”, but I’m sure that if everyone had my support network we would all be so much better off!

It was decided shortly after this event that “Everyone Needs a Steve” was going to be officially formed, and this 22 hour event would be a cornerstone of it.

Hourly dedications in 2022:

• Hour 1 – Ben Davis, Army
• Hour 2 – Karen Doughty, USAF
• Hour 3 – Mark Condron, Army
• Hour 4 – Matt Garris, Army
• Hour 5 – Frank A Farren, Army
• Hour 6 – David Deering
• Hour 7 – Dave Doughty, USAF
• Hour 9 – Jack Luhtanen, Navy
• Hour 10 – Ann Marie, Army
• Hour 11 – Steve Alexander
• Hour 12 – Thomas Watson, Marines
• Hour 13 – Glynn Carnahan, Army
• Hour 14 – Mark Denny
• Hour 15 – Leonard Kowalczyk, Merchant Marines
• Hour 16 – Jennifer Stevenson
• Hour 17 – Jim Cullen
• Hour 18 – John Cwynar
• Hour 19 – Mark Zadorozny, USAF?
• Hour 20 – Mike Brody, USAF
• Hour 21 – Frank Pabirzis, Army
• Hour 22 – Allen Schreiber, Army