Our Story
The Story of Survivors
The 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, a tragic and life-altering event, left a lasting impact on numerous individuals, including our very own founder, Dave Fortier, who was an active participant in the marathon at the time. In the wake of the chaos and distress, Dave received invaluable support from the Semper Fi & America's Fund, a dedicated group of veterans who provided crucial mentorship, aiding him in both his physical and emotional recovery. This profound experience served as a catalyst for Dave, propelling him to continue participating in the marathon every year for the subsequent decade and to engage in numerous other marathons.
Despite the heartrending effects of the bombings, they also revealed the resilient spirit of humanity, as individuals united to extend love and support to those impacted. Following his recovery, Dave joined forces with other survivors to establish our organization, One World Strong, with the mission of uniting survivors of trauma, hate, extremism, and terrorism, and fostering a supportive and inclusive community.
