Damien Rider hopes to raise awareness for PTSD and child abuse. (Photo Courtesy: Damien Rider/Facebook)
By PJ Baron
BLOOMINGTON – Damien Rider, who was named Men’s Health Magazine’s Man of the Year, is skateboarding through town in an attempt to raise awareness for PTSD and child abuse.
Rider is skateboarding across US Route 66, going from town to town and spreading the word of The Rider Foundation, which helps people who have been effected by PTSD or abuse of any kind. Rider explained that his personal experiences motivated him to reach out to others in need of help.
“I come from a child abuse background, I was haunted by it with PTSD most of my life. So coming through after my first paddle that I did and rising above it and being at peace with myself, I wanted to share that with others, and let them see what’s possible when you put your mind and your body to it,” said Rider.
Rider also explained that while they raise awareness for PTSD, the real purpose of the Foundation is to give people the tools they need to overcome their personal struggle.
“It’s not so much we raise awareness of child abuse and PTSD, because everyone knows that’s a problem. What we try to do is raise awareness of what is possible and how you can rise above,” said Rider.
Rider began his journey in Chicago on June 27th and will finish in Santa Monica in 66 days.
PJ Baron can be reached at news@wjbc.com.
