By admin 
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — In a heartfelt journey of remembrance and resilience, Chris Stephens, an advocate for military mental health awareness, is using his personal experience to inspire others and raise funds for suicide prevention among veterans.
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Chris’s story is rooted in a deep bond with his late brother, Mike, who served in the Navy and tragically died by suicide in 2017.
The two brothers shared a childhood filled with adventure and laughter outside Cincinnati, spending countless hours riding bikes and sharing a passion for baseball. As Chris recalls, “We loved like brothers and fought like brothers – it was really special.”
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After Mike’s passing, Chris found solace in running, using it as a way to process his grief. He channeled this passion into supporting organizations dedicated to veteran mental health, particularly Stop Soldier Suicide, which aims to provide community and resources for service members in crisis. Chris has been participating in races and challenges to raise awareness and funds for this important cause.
“Running became my therapy,” Chris shared, emphasizing his motivation to help others who face similar struggles. “I want to turn my pain into purpose and make sure no one else feels alone in their battle.”
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