UNC THRIVE Program

05/10/2026

Mother’s Day Message: Today, the UNC THRIVE Program honors all mothers who serve — in uniform, at home, and in the quiet moments that often go unseen.
We are grateful for the strength, leadership, dedication, and love it takes to care for others while carrying the responsibilities of service, family, and everyday life.
Whether you have worn the uniform, stood beside someone who has, or led your family through life’s daily challenges, your service matters.

To every mother who gives, leads, protects, encourages, and keeps moving forward — thank you. Your example inspires those around you more than you may ever know. Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at the UNC THRIVE Program. Duty. Service. Honor.

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05/05/2026

Memorial Day Murph Challenge with CrossFit Local and UNC THRIVE Program!

This Memorial Day, the UNC THRIVE Program is proud to partner with CrossFit Local for the Murph Challenge, a meaningful event honoring Lt. Michael Murphy and all service members who gave their lives in service to our country.

We invite former UNC THRIVE Program participants, families, friends, and members of the community to join us, whether you plan to complete the workout, cheer others on, or simply spend time together in remembrance and support.

Event Details
Date: Memorial Day
Arrival: 8:45 AM
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Location: CrossFit Local
Parking: Available in the lot directly in front of the gym.

The morning will begin with a brief moment of silence and a short reflection on the meaning of Murph and Memorial Day.
The workout is fully scalable and can be completed individually or as part of a team, making it accessible for all fitness levels. There is no fee to participate, and CrossFit Local is generously opening its doors for a free drop-in day.

Donations are welcome and appreciated in support of the UNC THRIVE Program and our mission to support veterans and first responders living with the impacts of TBI and PTSD.

Those participating in the workout will need to complete a waiver through CrossFit Local. Those who prefer to attend, relax, and support the event are encouraged to bring a chair, tent, cooler, food, or drinks for the morning.

This event is about more than a workout. It is an opportunity to remember the fallen, reconnect as a community, and support one another with purpose. We hope to see you there.

Questions about Murph:
Chad Edwards (919) 912-9348

Questions about the event or the UNC THRIVE Program:
Chad Christensen or the UNC THRIVE Program team
thrive@unc.edu (984) 215-5151
thriveprogram.unc.edu

04/27/2026

Four years ago, on April 26, 2022, the UNC THRIVE Program welcomed our first participant!

We are grateful to share that more than 400 veterans and first responders have completed our 3-Day Evaluation, and 93 participants have completed our 3-Week Intensive Outpatient Program.

These numbers represent much more than milestones. They represent people who raised their hand for help, families walking beside them, and our team, committed to helping veterans and first responders navigate the lingering effects of mild to moderate TBI, PTSD, and related health concerns.

The UNC THRIVE Program was built around a simple but powerful purpose: to reduce barriers to care and provide participant-centered, interdisciplinary support that connects brain and body health. Over the past four years, we have had the privilege of walking alongside so many who have faithfully served our country and our communities.

On behalf of the entire UNC THRIVE Program team, thank you to our participants, families, clinicians, staff, partners, and supporters who continue to make this mission possible.

We are grateful for the opportunity to help so many find direction for brighter days, and we look forward to serving many more in the years ahead.

Duty. Service. Honor.

Action Alliance

04/14/2026

A long-overdue wrong was finally made right after 56 years for Vietnam Veteran, Private Raymond Edison Dick.

On April 10th, 2026, after five decades of carrying the weight of a bad conduct discharge, Raymond was posthumously honored with the military recognition he had earned through his service. On the second anniversary of Raymond's passing, at Lakeview Memorial Park in Greensboro, NC, Raymond's family received the commemorative U.S. flag and military honors that should have been given to him long ago. This moment did not erase the injustice he endured for over 50 years, but it did restore the truth of his service and honor to his legacy for him and his family.

Professor John Brooker's team at the UNC Military and Veterans Law Clinic did the heavy lifting to correct Raymond's military record, but we are humbly honored that our UNC THRIVE Program played an instrumental role in this case from a medical perspective. Dr. Shawn Kane, our program's medical director and our UNC THRIVE Program team, worked alongside Professor John Brooker's team to help correct Raymond's military record. This was a powerful reminder that meaningful change often takes partnership/collaboration across medicine, law, advocacy, and most importantly, perseverance!

Raymond did not live to see this correction, and that makes the moment extremely sobering. But his wife of 54 years and family did. And so did his community, which refused to let his story be forgotten. His service mattered. His honor mattered. And this act of redemption mattered.

Rest in peace, Marine, we have the watch... Semper Fi.

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04/14/2026

A long-overdue wrong was finally made right after 56 years for Vietnam Veteran, Private Raymond Edison Dick.

On April 11th, 2026, after five decades of carrying the weight of a bad conduct discharge, Raymond was posthumously honored with the military recognition he had earned through his service. On the second anniversary of Raymond's passing, at Lakeview Memorial Park in Greensboro, NC, Raymond's family received the commemorative U.S. flag and military honors that should have been given to him long ago. This moment did not erase the injustice he endured for over 50 years, but it did restore the truth of his service and honor to his legacy for him and his family.

Professor John Brooker's team at the UNC Military and Veterans Law Clinic did the heavy lifting to correct Raymond's military record, but we are humbly honored that our UNC THRIVE Program played an instrumental role in this case from a medical perspective. Dr. Shawn Kane, our program's medical director and our UNC THRIVE Program team, worked alongside Professor John Brooker's team to help correct Raymond's military record. This was a powerful reminder that meaningful change often takes partnership/collaboration across medicine, law, advocacy, and most importantly, perseverance!

Raymond did not live to see this correction, and that makes the moment extremely sobering. But his wife of 54 years and family did. And so did his community, which refused to let his story be forgotten. His service mattered. His honor mattered. And this act of redemption mattered.

Rest in peace, Marine, we have the watch... Semper Fi.

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04/08/2026

This movie gives those who served a chance to reconnect. and walk alongside one another...

The UNC THRIVE Program is honored to partner with Perseverance Productions, the Gary Sinise Foundation, and Veterans Bridge Home for a special screening of Brothers After War on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina.

This film carries a powerful message about service, sacrifice, and the lifelong journey so many veterans and families continue to walk long after war. From Executive Producer Gary Sinise and Director/Producer Jake Rademacher, BROTHERS AFTER WAR brings forward honest stories of loss, brotherhood, healing, and hope.

We are especially grateful to be part of an event that creates space for veterans, service members, and their families to come together, reflect, and connect. Following the movie screening, Jake Rademacher and his brother, Joseph Rademacher, will host a seminar to continue important conversations.

Event Details:
12:00 PM–4:00 PM, Saturday, April 11, 2026
Regal North Hills, 4150 Main at North Hills St., Raleigh, NC 27609

This is a free event and includes lunch, the movie, a journal, and the seminar. Space is limited, so we encourage early registration.

Reserve your free seat here: https://baw.mov/41126

We here at the UNC THRIVE Program are thankful to stand alongside partners who care deeply about our veteran community and who understand the importance of remembering, listening, and walking with one another.

BROTHERS AFTER WAR is coming to Raleigh, NC!

03/25/2026

We are deeply grateful to be recognized as part of and thankful for the support that makes this mission possible.

At the UNC THRIVE Program, it is our privilege to serve veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders who are navigating the effects of TBI, PTSD, and related challenges. Every individual we meet brings a story marked by service, sacrifice, and resilience. Walking alongside them and their families through that journey is both a responsibility and an honor we do not take lightly.

This work is only possible because of people and partners who believe in caring for those who have carried so much for others. To , the UNC College of Arts and Sciences, and every donor helping sustain this important mission, thank you for standing with us. From all of us at the UNC THRIVE Program, thank you.

UNC THRIVE Program Donation Page: https://go.unc.edu/Dw27Y

03/16/2026

We’re deeply grateful to be recognized as part of and thankful for the support behind this mission.

At the UNC THRIVE Program, it is an honor to serve veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders working through the effects of TBI, PTSD, and related challenges. Every person we meet brings a story of service and resilience, and we are grateful to walk alongside them and their families on their journey.
From all of us at the UNC THRIVE Program team, humbly, thank you... Duty. Service. Honor.

To GiveUNC, the UNC College of Arts and Sciences, and everyone helping make this work possible, thank you for your generous donations to support this important work.

UNC’s THRIVE Program (Transforming Health and Resilience in Veterans) is helping veterans, active-duty military and first responders heal from TBI, PTSD, and more — at no cost. Since 2022, THRIVE has served 380+ people through its 3-day evaluation and guided 80+ participants through its 3-week outpatient program.

The College of Arts and Sciences is proud to highlight THRIVE as one of this year’s featured initiatives. To learn more visit: https://giveunc.unc.edu/college

03/12/2026

The UNC THRIVE Program at UNC-Chapel Hill is hiring an Intake Coordinator in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The posting opened March 11, 2026, and applications are due March 20, 2026.

This role is an important part of how we welcome and support Veterans seeking care for the lingering effects of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress. The Intake Coordinator helps guide participants through the early stages of engagement with the program, making professionalism, communication, organization, and empathy essential to the work.

We are looking for someone who values mission-driven service, works well in a collaborative environment, and understands that first impressions matter. For many of the individuals we serve, this position helps set the tone for a supportive and respectful experience from the very beginning.
If you are interested in meaningful work that supports Veterans and First Responders and contributes to a dedicated interdisciplinary team, we encourage you to apply.

Apply here: https://lnkd.in/ep4NDzik

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