UNC THRIVE Program

05/26/2026

This Memorial Day, "Say their names, tell their story, and never forget!"

President Abraham Lincoln reminded us during one of the darkest moments in our nation's history that we must honor those who gave the last full measure of devotion. As we prepare to celebrate 250 years of this nation, may we never forget that America's greatness was built not only by declarations but also by patriots willing to defend them, and especially this Memorial Day weekend, may we pause to remember those who never came home.

Today, our UNC THRIVE Program team commemorated our fallen heroes who sacrificed everything by participating in two different events:

Some on our team honored the fallen by participating in the Murph workout at CrossFit Local in Chapel Hill, NC, in memory of Lieutenant Michael Murphy, a Navy SEAL. Many friends and family joined for a moment of silence and shared the story of LT Murphy and the sacrifice he made for our country.

Other UNC THRIVE Program team members attended a memorial ceremony at Freedom Memorial Park in Fayetteville, NC. Reuniting with veterans and family members to honor the memories of those who courageously defended our country's liberty and freedom in various wars by laying wreaths at each monument within the park.

So, this Memorial Day, "Say their names, tell their story, and never forget!"

05/24/2026

For us here at the UNC THRIVE Program, Memorial Day encompasses more than mere remembrance. It involves upholding the values of those we honor through dedicated service, unwavering commitment, and genuine care for one another.

This Memorial Day, members of our UNC THRIVE Program community will join CrossFit Local in Chapel Hill, NC, for the Murph workout, honoring Navy SEAL LT Michael P. Murphy and remembering all service members who never came home.

We invite UNC THRIVE Program alum, families, friends, and community members to join us, whether you plan to complete the workout, cheer others on, or simply spend time together in remembrance and support of those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

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 offering a free drop-in day.

Duty. Service. Honor.

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
[email protected] (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!