June 17, 1976 – June 19, 2022

Casey Skudin epitomized what it means to be a hero and family man. He was an adoring husband, a loving and devoted father, an incredible cousin and nephew, and a friend to all. With a highly decorated career in the FDNY spanning over 16 years, and as a lifeguard for the Town of Hempstead for over 20, Casey spent his life serving others. Casey was also a member of the FDNY mentor-mentee program and the FDNY Surf Rescue Unit. He was an incredible CrossFit coach, triathlete, avid cyclist, and fitness aficionado. 

Casey’s life was tragically cut short when a tree fell on the family and their vehicle, injuring his children and killing him. The devastation and pain of Casey’s loss to his family, friends, and anyone who ever came into contact with him has been indescribable.

Casey was a lifesaver to many during his time here on Earth. Through his fund he continues to be, guiding us every step of the way and continuing his mission to ensure all first responders and their families have access to what they need in times of crisis.Casey lived a life of honor, bravery, service, accomplishment and duty. His legacy to inspire, support and save lives will continue.

After battling Lyme Disease and debilitating co-infections that left her bedridden for over a year, Angela turned to alternative healing modalities and psychedelic-assisted therapies when Western medicine failed to provide relief. By 2022, her health was fully restored, and she has remained prescription-free and active ever since.

On June 17, 2022 at 3:43pm, while on a family vacation celebrating her husband Casey’s upcoming 46th birthday and Father’s Day, a tree fell on their vehicle. Casey, guided by his training and quick instincts, managed to steer the car to minimize the impact on his family, sacrificing his own life to save them. The loss of Casey has been profoundly devastating for his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Inspired by her personal journey of healing and Casey’s legacy of courage and selflessness, Angela founded The Casey Skudin 343 Fund. This has become Angela’s life’s work, dedicated to providing First Responders with access to holistic and alternative treatments for the trauma and mental health challenges arising from their frontline service. Through The 343 Fund, Angela honors Casey’s memory by offering hope, support, and the same unwavering determination that helped her regain her life.

For over a decade, Ms. Brodsky dedicated her life to serving the Army’s premier direct-action raid force, the elite Special Operations 75th Ranger Regiment, while also serving as the Chief Operations Officer of the Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit supporting Army Rangers and their families with financial assistance.

Ms. Brodsky managed relationships with sponsors and partners like Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warrior. Ms. Brodsky served as the primary liaison to the United States Special Operations Command Warrior Care Program (Care Coalition), the 75th Ranger Regiment Unit Command, and the Rangers and their families, working together to ensure their vital needs, whether they are active duty, injured, ill, or Gold Star families, were being met. 

Before joining the Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, Ms. Brodsky served as the Director of Corporate Communications at Horizon Media and an Associate in the Travel & Lifestyle practice at Weber Shandwick Public Relations. 

Ms. Brodsky was one of the founding members of the East End Civic Association, activated after Super Storm Sandy to help foster more open communication between East End residents and the city’s leadership during its time of crisis. Ms. Brodsky served as President for two years. She currently serves on the Executive Board of the Long Beach High School Girls Varsity Lacrosse Program and volunteers her time offering guidance to a variety of non-profit organizations.

In her current role as Chief Operations Officer of The 343 Fund, she continues her commitment to supporting and facilitating the healing of first responders and their families through holistic and alternative treatments.

Aaron Baldwin is a retired SEAL Master Chief, preparation and integration coach, and meditation instructor. Aaaron’s strengths are working with: Veterans /Law Enforcement (PTSD, TBI, Anger) and those struggling with alcoholism and addiction.

Avi is a Casey Skudin 343 Fund Integration Coach, co-facilitating the weekly Tuesday night group integration call, in addition to individually coaching 343 Fund grantees. Avi is also on the 343 Team of Breathwork Coaches, offering group and individual breathwork sessions. Avi draws from evidence-based practice and is informed by the experience of his own intense self-healing journey. 

Formerly a bar and restaurant owner in Manhattan, Avi’s life suddenly shifted gears when he encountered debilitating chronic vertigo in 2019 that persisted for 3 years. While it wasn’t clear at the time, this was the catalyst for great change and deep healing through self-exploration and a variety of lifestyle changes and healing modalities. 

Avi is currently completing his Masters of Social Work at New York University. Avi works with individuals and groups in a clinical counseling setting, serving a wide range of demographics and life situations. Avi is also a musician and plays live music for yoga, meditation, and plant medicine ceremonies. Avi is a certified ceremonial cacao practitioner and leads his own cacao and meditation gatherings.

Beth brings her collective professional and personal experiences into Psychedelic Integration Coaching. She has helped people find support and guided them during difficult times for nearly two decades. Over those years, she served on active duty as a Marine, supported active-duty military families during challenging deployments, served as a crisis counselor for adolescents and young adults, and practiced therapy with diverse populations. As a Psychedelic Integration Coach, her goal is to help clients find their way back to a healthier, thriving and whole-hearted space and experience increased self-awareness, growth, and greater quality of life.

Casey is deeply committed to guiding others on their healing journeys as a Certified Integration Coach. Every Tuesday night, Casey co-facilitates group integration sessions, where he offers guidance to those seeking healing and personal growth. His path started in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he dedicated 14 years of service. After his time in the military, Casey pursued a degree in Organizational Leadership from Texas A&M Commerce, but his most profound lessons came from his own struggles with depression, PTSD, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

These personal battles have fueled his passion for helping veterans and first responders who face similar challenges. Casey understands their pain because he’s been there. With empathy, deep care, and a commitment to creating real change, he empowers others to take back control of their lives and find lasting healing.

Catherine Coffey RN, BSN is a critical care registered travel nurse with a love and passion for helping others. She has been an ICU nurse for 5 years with experience in bedside procedures, OR surgeries, critical thinking in a fast-paced environment, and serving as a patient advocate acting as a liaison for her patients, their families & the providers.

After working as a COVID ICU nurse and seeing all of the suffering both physically and mentally that was occurring around her with her patients, she wanted to deepen her understanding of how the human body has a direct correlation to our emotional well-being and completed her Breathwork & Holistic Nurse Coach Certification. Catherine is on a mission to give others the tools they need to thrive and be the best versions of themselves by bridging the gap between people’s minds, bodies, and souls through breathwork.

Christina Karkouta is a passionate Breathwork Facilitator and Kundalini Yoga teacher. Christina’s struggles with anxiety, PTSD, and depression set her on a healing journey through breathwork to help manage symptoms without Western medication. Breathwork also played a pivotal role in assisting her integration process both during and after plant medicine treatments, as the insights gained and the experiences themselves can be quite overwhelming. Christina is also a certified BREATHE instructor, trained under the scientific guidance of Dr. Belisa Vranich. She blends the science of breathwork with energy work. It’s been Christina’s privilege to guide many individuals on their paths to conquering mental, physical, and emotional challenges by facilitating the release of trauma through breathing techniques. She firmly believes in the body’s natural ability to heal. Christina is honored to share the profound impact of breath as an often underestimated tool for inner transformation through the 343 Fund.

Danny Massa was born and raised in the Bronx. At the age of 12, Danny turned to boxing, martial arts, and physical fitness to build his confidence. Shortly after, Danny began competing in boxing matches and mixed martial arts competitions and currently holds a record of 10 wins and 4 losses. 

His father, Captain Daniel J. Massa, served in New York City as a Firefighter for 25 years and was part of the rescue and recovery effort at the World Trade Center in  2001. His father’s words, “Always try to leave everywhere you’ve been a little nicer than the way you found it”, inspired Danny to follow in his footsteps and become a New York City firefighter. Danny is also a member of the FDNY Boxing Bravest (with a 4-0 record) and the FDNY Grappling Team, where he trains and prepares future firefighters.

Whether he’s battling in the ring, grappling in the cage, carrying patients down countless flights of stairs during emergency medical calls, or extinguishing blazing infernos, one truth remains – breath matters. In short, if you can breathe, everything is okay. If you can’t, then nothing else matters.

This principle has captivated Danny so much that it inspired him to become a Certified Breath Coach under the tutelage of Dr. Belisa Vranich, a world-renowned clinical psychologist who has coached everyone from Special Ops Military to professional athletes. Danny is a certified Wim Hof instructor and Group Fitness Instructor. He is also passionate about the benefits of cold exposure. Like his father, Danny believes in the power of service and leaving this world just a little bit nicer than how he found it.

Heather is a homeopath, transformation coach, public speaker, and author.  She is also a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician. She holds a degree in Systems Psychology and is trained in Hakomi, a mindfulness-centered somatic psychotherapy. She has experience working in a variety of focus areas including addiction, trauma, veteran needs, end-of-life, eating disorders, mental illness, homelessness, and parenting. 

Heather embodies a loving presence and has the ability to see things from unique and valuable points of view. Her unconventional perspectives illuminate new ways to find oneself in the world with fresh and forgiving eyes.

I am a Doctoral Candidate in Clinical Psychology and hold a Masters degree in Counseling. As a Licensed Associate Counselor, I specialize in a range of therapeutic approaches including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and I am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT). My practice is enriched by my training as a Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist and an Animal-Assisted Mental Health Practitioner, integrating innovative and holistic methods to support healing and growth.

I have also undergone Compassionate Inquiry training with Dr. Gabor Maté, which has profoundly influenced my therapeutic approach. My clinical work is dedicated to serving first responders grappling with traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and various forms of trauma including sexual, religious, and emotional.

Benjamin Skudin is currently a senior at Cornell University, working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, concentrating in Neurobiology & Behavior. In addition to his major, Benjamin is pursuing a minor in Business for Life Sciences. 

His academic focus has granted him an in-depth understanding of human neurobiology and an appreciation for the burgeoning field of alternative medicines. Passionate about mental health advocacy, he is committed to shifting America’s focus towards preventative care and open dialogues surrounding mental health challenges. Benjamin has a particular interest in exploring innovative treatment methods for neurological disorders affecting first responders.

Outside of academics, Benjamin enjoys spending time on the Long Beach coast, where he grew up and learned to surf under the guidance of his father, Casey Skudin. While by no means a competitive surfer, he served as the Administrative Manager at Skudin Surf from 2018 to 2022, contributing to employee management, customer relations, and strategic growth.

Benjamin also volunteers at Cornell, notably as a member of Mediocre Melodies, an a capella group with a unique mission: “Bad singers for a good cause.” The group donates all proceeds from their performances to the local Ithaca community.

Cathy is an accomplished professional with more than 30 years of experience in executive management and organizational development. She is currently a Senior Vice President for a multi-billion dollar healthcare system consisting of six hospitals, three nursing homes, home care, hospice, ambulatory sites, and over 100 physician practices.

Cathy has applied her vast industry knowledge, principled with unparalleled negotiation skills and organizational aptitude to develop one of the most progressive, diverse, and modern supply chains within the industry. She is responsible for over $1.5 billion in annual spending and has successfully negotiated over one million square feet of architectural, engineering, and construction services.

As a Supply Chain leader, she continuously evaluates strategic and tactical positions to address critical supply needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the efforts of the supply chain under Cathy’s direction were instrumental in contributing daily to support the provision of patient care. Continued challenges with multiple Global Supply Chain crises also demonstrate her leadership skills and vast experience in the areas of strategic sourcing, procurement, and supply chain management including the overall goal of optimizing the total delivered cost of clinical and non-clinical supplies and services while maintaining high quality, safety, and service to those served.

Cathy is widely respected in the industry for her knowledge, honesty, and her transparent approach to all she does.

Cliff is a career Firefighter EMT for the City of Long Beach, New York. He is the Co-Founder and President of Skudin Surf Inc. Additionally, Cliff is a certified New York State Teacher and holds a Masters degree in Physical Education from Hofstra University. He is also the Co-Founder of Surf For All, a non-profit organization that helps individuals with special needs enjoy their passion for surfing. The organization serves a wide range of community centers, schools, and organizations throughout Long Island.
 
Cliff is a former NCAA Division 1 swimmer and a talented waterman. He has entries in the World Surf League Big Wave Awards for “Biggest Paddle Wave”, including the “Ride of the Year” category for his achievements at Nazaré, Portugal. Cliff is a BWRAG MRV Marine Rescue Vehicle course instructor, an ISA international surfing instructor, and a Red Cross lifeguard instructor.

Ethan is a retired NYPD detective, having worked in the NYPD’s SWAT/Rescue Unit. Ethan sustained a traumatic brain injury in the line of duty and found healing through plant medicine after trying many standard Western healing routes. This has given him first-hand knowledge of the healing potential of plant medicine for traumatic brain injuries and trauma.

Ethan is a public speaker and advocate of drug policy change and the legalization of plant medicine therapies. He currently consults with federal and state governments, lobbying and advocating for policy change and law.

Ethan is a proud husband and father, living with his family in NY.

Joe Maritato currently serves as the VP of Asset Management at a large health system, negotiating millions annually in construction, medical equipment, and related service contracts. Joe has been in the healthcare purchasing and Biomedical Engineering field for over 30 years. He holds degrees in Electrical Engineering and Business Administration.

Shawn Obrien is an accomplished medical sales professional with a solid foundation in communications. He spent over seven years as a Jones Beach Lifeguard in Long Island, where he worked with his team and gained tremendous life skills.

Shawn has spent over 25 years in the healthcare industry. At Biotronik, a privately held German-owned medical company, Shawn served as Diagnostic Sales Manager, overseeing up to 150 sales representatives for specialized products. During his 20+ year tenure at Medline Industries, Shawn held diverse roles such as Customer Service Representative, Regional Account Manager, and VP of Sales Caribbean Islands. His exceptional consultative approach fostered strong relationships with hospital management and contributed to the growth of multiple product lines.

Most recently, Shawn has gained certifications from the NFPT in Certified Master Personal Training as well as Fitness Nutrition, Endurance & Resistance Training, and Running Mechanics. He holds a 200-hour Yoga Instructor License from Sampoorna Yoga and is a Yoga Alliance Member.  

Shawn’s dedication to excellence extends beyond his professional achievements and fitness acumen. He actively engages in community service, serving as a mentor for Cornerstone Kids (an NFP inner city mentor program for at-risk kids), a former Cub Scout Pack Leader for Boy Scouts of America, and is contributing to his local church, St. John’s Episcopal, as Youth Lead.

Tina Braddock, RN, BSN, CEN, CPTR, FNP-C, born and raised in NYC and Long Beach, NY, is a certified emergency registered nurse with extensive experience in trauma nursing and military leadership during her time on active duty in the US Army from 2012-2019. 

Tina primarily works with veterans, first responders, and athletes in pursuit of whole health optimization of the mind, body, and spirit using cutting-edge regenerative modalities and precision medicine. Tina is a passionate wellness and mental health advocate and considers herself a Post-Traumatic Growth subject matter expert.

In 2019, trauma hit home as Tina’s spouse, Jim sustained a severe traumatic brain injury. As Jim continues to fight for recovery and both of them learn a lot along the way, they hope to share with the world all they have done to combat the invisible injuries of mental health. Tina completed her certification in psychedelic therapy and research and studies plant medicine for neuroplasticity benefits and Post-Traumatic Stress.

Tina serves on the Community Advisory Group for Mt Sinai Brain Research, as an ambassador for Heroic Hearts Project and Flow Dose Maui, and supports and advises multiple suicide prevention organizations. Her current projects include supporting Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Psychedelic Therapy access for Veterans in the state of Hawaii. She is highly motivated to support the 343 Fund and hopes to support great change for her fellow first responders and their family members.

Will is an internationally recognized big wave surfer. He has grown from a “hometown hero” to a global surfing ambassador.

Will is also Co-Founder and Vice President of Skudin Surf and the Co-Founder of Surf For All, a non-profit organization that helps individuals with special needs access the joys of the ocean. In addition to his career as a professional athlete, Will also excels in production and production management. Founding NYSEA in 2010, he has worked with several big-name companies to promote various products and events through videos, commercials, and other media platforms. 

Will’s creative approach to advertising, marketing, social media, and campaign strategy is a vital resource for his companies and a significant part of his success.