Every June, PTSD Awareness Month shines a light on the invisible wounds carried by many wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and their families. While PTSD is often associated with combat experiences, trauma can take many forms—and its effects are often felt by entire families.
That reality became all too familiar for Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Reyes and his family.
While stationed in Italy, Reyes was suddenly overcome by a severe headache and airlifted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. There, he received a devastating diagnosis: Stage 4 brain cancer. Overnight, his family found themselves navigating surgeries, treatments, and an uncertain future far from home.
Through Yellow Ribbon Fund’s Crossroads Program, the Reyes family received a fully furnished apartment near Walter Reed and transportation assistance to help them get to and from appointments. Instead of worrying about where they would stay or how they would afford daily travel, they could focus on what mattered most—being together.
For military families facing medical crises, emotional and psychological stress can be overwhelming. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and caregiver burnout often affect not only the service member but also spouses, children, and loved ones walking alongside them through recovery.
That’s why Yellow Ribbon Fund’s mission extends beyond practical support. We help create stability during some of life’s most challenging moments, ensuring families have the resources, community, and support they need to heal together.
In 2025 alone, Yellow Ribbon Fund provided more than 1,200 hotel nights, 2,600 rental car days, and housing support to more than 1,000 wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, caregivers, and family members. These services helped lift approximately $680,000 in financial burden from military families already facing extraordinary challenges.
During PTSD Awareness Month, we honor the resilience of families like the Reyes family and recognize that healing often begins with connection, support, and hope.
Because when families stay together, recovery becomes possible.
