Wounded Afghanistan veteran runs for Soldier On in Winnipeg
'It gives you a safe place to talk about it, cry about it, be mad about it, whatever you want to do.'
Master Cpl. Chris Downey's life changed forever in May 2010 when an improvised explosive device detonated, killing his friend, Petty Officer 2nd Class Craig Blake, and injuring him irreparably.
Sunday, Downey will be running in Winnipeg's RCAF Run at the James Richardson International Airport. A part of the proceeds from the run fundraiser will go towards supporting Soldier On, a not-for-profit organization that supports Canada's veterans, including Downey.
Soldier On has been invaluable for Downey, he told CBC's Information Radio, it has been the support he has needed since the accident.
"It gives you a safe place to talk about it, cry about it, be mad about it, whatever you want to do. And then because physical fitness is a measurable bench mark, they use that to give you those little steps to move forward, to accomplish something, while you're working on the emotional, the mental side, et cetera, et cetera," Downey said Friday.
Downey's injuries included losing his right eye, most of his teeth and part of his jaw, severing his right ear, two aneurysms, a collapsed lung and burn wounds.
And yet, in the past year he has committed himself to overcoming the challenges he's faced by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, running his first full marathon, and getting married.
"I'm doing great, I've had an amazing team behind me since day one," he said, even though he admits that he lives with pain every day.
With the help of Soldier On and his comrades, Downey said his family and friends can see "little pieces of me coming back."
Master Cpl. Chris Downey is taking part in the Royal Canadian Air Force Run that happens this Sunday at the James Richardson International Airport.