Chris Cathers is a former US Army Green Beret and CIA paramilitary Global Response Staff (GRS) contractor with numerous deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and North Africa. He is a turnaround specialist and operating expert with over 15 years of experience in the manufacturing, defense, and service industries.
Chris silently struggled with post-traumatic stress (PTS), depression and suicidal ideation for years, fearful that such a diagnosis would negatively impact his career. His symptoms reached the breaking point in 2011 which almost resulted in Chris taking his own life. Had it not been for one of his closest friend’s intervention, Chris would have undoubtedly been among the “22 Per Day” statistic.
In late 2019, he was diagnosed with a very rare form of advanced bone cancer known as Chondrosarcoma. While sarcoma-type cancers accounts for less than 1% of all cancers diagnosed, Chondrosarcoma is a subtype of even more rarity. The frustrating process of finding adequate medical care opened Chris’ eyes to how difficult it is to find the right team and advocates, for any aspect of medicine. Chris ultimately made the decision to finally seek help so that he was in the right frame of mind to fight this cancer. While undergoing mental health services he realized how helpful it truly was and he wishes he had sought this help sooner.
Chris wants to leave something positive in this world before he goes, regardless of how much time he has left. He has dedicated himself to encouraging his military brothers and sisters to seek help immediately and to not downplay the signs. Chris has worked to establish the Brother’s Keeper Veteran Foundation to help raise funds for a small number of nonprofit and for-profit businesses which are truly committed to giving our veterans a hand up in this fight.