The widow of San Diego Cal Fire Firefighter Cory Iverson has created a foundation aimed at making a difference in the mental health of first responders.
Iverson was killed last year while fighting the Thomas Fire in Fillmore.
"Cory gave me the platform to make the difference that I was in search of my entire life,” said Ashley Iverson.
Ashley has channeled her loss into a gain for first responders as she launched a mental health foundation in her late husband’s name: the Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness. "What IFAA is hoping to do is a consistent maintenance for release of mental health,” said Ashley.
She says many firefighters and first responders compartmentalize haunting, on-the-job experiences.
“Because these man and women are doing things, on a daily basis, that you and I don’t even want to imagine,” she said.
As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression, Ashley says she knows communication and love pave the road to healing.