“I don’t think many other schools put as much effort into their veterans as Drexel does.” — Paul Gabby
Paul Gabby, an undergraduate nursing student in the College of Nursing & Health Professions, ran a six-day, 120-mile ultramarathon through parts of the Rocky Mountains this past August for a cause close to his heart. Gabby completed the TransRockies Run in Colorado in order to raise money and bring awareness to veterans’ mental health issues through the nonprofit Stop Soldier Suicide.
As an active-duty member of the military having served in the Navy for nearly 12 years, Gabby is well aware of issues surrounding veterans’ mental health — and the ways they are exacerbated by isolations and stigma.
Through the race and the fundraiser, Gabby wanted to call attention to veterans’ being less likely to raise the red flag when they’re struggling.
Gabby’s goal to raise $2,200 (veterans are at a 22 percent higher risk for suicide than their peers) was surpassed by $600, thanks in part to support from the Drexel community. Gabby said he has enjoyed being a part of the tight-knit veterans community at Drexel, which is fortified by its participation in the Veterans Task Force and the Yellow Ribbon Program.