Mental health
Empowering trauma survivors to rebuild their lives
Sep 10, 2024
Image from left to right: Brandon Peacock, founder of Hit the Ground Running with trauma survivors Michael and Gavin.
“Getting shot was the best thing that ever happened to me” — unbelievable words from Brandon Peacock, founder of Hit the Ground Running, whose life was irrevocably changed at the young age of 23 years old.
In 2020, Brandon was walking into a barber shop for a routine haircut when a car pulled up and shots rang out. The bullets struck Brandon, instead of the intended target who was beside him. Brandon was struck three times: one in the chest while he bravely shielded the shop owner, narrowly missing his heart and lungs, one through his left knee, and one through his femoral artery, leaving a hole in his femur.
Brandon's journey to recovery was arduous but with the support of a close friend in physiotherapy, Brandon was not alone in his rehabilitation — mentally or physically. While he was told he would never walk again normally, Brandon demonstrated incredible perseverance and grit, running 10K in four months following the incident, and eventually, a marathon a year later.
Because of the amazing support Brandon received, he was inspired to create Hit the Ground Running, an organization dedicated to supporting disabled trauma survivors from diverse backgrounds in the Greater Ottawa Area. Brandon's vision was clear: to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services, including physiotherapy, psychotherapy and mentorship, to those who needed it most.
A beacon of hope for trauma survivors
In North America, more than four million people face life-changing trauma each year. The cost of adequate physiotherapy for a person who has experienced trauma ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 annually, while psychological rehabilitation costs between $8,000 and $15,000 a year. For many, these costs are out of reach, creating barriers to recovery.
Through TELUS Friendly Future Foundation and the TELUS Ottawa and Eastern Ontario Community Board, we're proud to provide a grant to Hit the Ground Running, enabling them to provide 40 young people with disabilities who have experienced trauma with free access to their community mentorship program — supporting post traumatic growth and physical rehabilitation. The funding will help cover the costs of essential rehabilitation services, ensuring these young individuals have the support they need to rebuild their lives.
Michael’s story
“What happened to me?” was Michael’s first thought after waking up from a coma five days after being struck by a car. Confused and scared, he found comfort in his family and friends who were by his side and happy to see him alive. Even though his physical injuries healed over time, the toughest part was managing his brain injury and it took a toll on Michael’s mental health.
Although Michael had lots of support from his friends and family, he found what really helped his mental health was speaking with others through Hit the Ground Running’s Mentorship program.
“A big reason I believe in Hit the Ground Running is it provides trauma victims, like me, with the ability to communicate with others who have experienced similar circumstances,” said Michael. “Not everyone will have the resources to take on the burdens of rehabilitation to recover from their individual traumas. I love that the organization helps cover some of the costs associated with getting back to full health. It creates hope for trauma survivors to get back to their best.”
A brighter future begins today
As Hit the Ground Running continues to extend its reach and impact, offering a lifeline to people who have faced unimaginable hardships, stories like Brandon's and Michael’s highlight the transformative power of compassion, community and resilience.
TELUS Friendly Future Foundation’s partnership with Hit the Ground Running shows how much we can achieve when we come together to support each other. Together, we’re making a real difference for young trauma survivors.
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