Local Women Running for Veterans PTSD

Four local women are raising money for the 2013 Run-Walk to Home Base, to help returning veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq cope with PTSD.

The 2013 Run-Walk to Home Base is presented by New Balance and raises funds for the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program, which helps veterans with combat stress and/or traumatic brain injury and their families.

Studies by the Veterans Administration have estimated that nearly 30 percent of veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq show signs of PTSD.

The "Bad News Bears" -- Stephanie Napolitano, Kailey Monroe, Sheena Holland and Laura Brien -- will run the 9K on May 4 to honor Jake Munroe, Kailey's brother.

"Jake will be returning from Afghanistan next month and has been there with the navy since September," Napolitano said, adding that they hope Jake never has to deal with the pain of PTSD, as many returning veterans do.

So far, the "Bad News Bears" have raised $2,190. They had a boost in fundraising at an event they held at Rolf's Pub last weekend.

About 90 percent of the proceeds will go directly to the Home Base program for veterans from New England who have returned from Afghanistan and Iraq and suffer from PTSD.

If you'd like to donate, visit the group's donation page.