Pictured: Swimmer Julie Madison, supported by members of her volunteer kayak teams. Photo courtesy of Julie Madison.

Julie Madison, a renowned swimmer and trainer with Top Tier K9-Bradenton, set a record for the distance around Siesta Key with a historic marathon swim on Tuesday, June 4. This achievement is part of an inspiring campaign by SOF Missions, in partnership with Top Tier K9-Bradenton, to raise $250,000 to support veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by providing them with specially trained service dogs.

Top Tier K9-Bradenton, which is owned by Madision, is known for its expertise in training foundation dogs and service dogs. Their mission is to produce the highest quality working dogs, capable of performing a variety of tasks to aid individuals and organizations. Top Tier K9-Bradenton’s training programs are designed to ensure that each dog is prepared to meet the specific needs of their handlers, including veterans with PTSD. SOF Missions is a nonprofit dedicated to combating the veteran suicide crisis by supporting veterans and their families. According to the National Library of Medicine, service dogs can reduce PTSD symptoms by up to 82%, improve overall mental health, and enhance social interactions for veterans.

"SOF's mission is to focus on the rehabilitation of the veteran by helping them get them better sleep, therapy and to just better be in a solid place," says Madison. "At Top Tier K9, we have solidified the best process in the world for training puppies and to get them paired with handlers. I work with SOF missions when they have a handler that's ready for service. I train their handlers and the dogs so that they can be successful teams."

Dr. Damon Friedman, co-founder of SOF Missions, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Service dogs have been proven instrumental in helping veterans deal with PTSD and other medical issues. These highly trained animals help our heroes manage life’s stressors and reintegrate into civilian communities.”

Madison's marathon swim covered approximately 36 miles in 18 hours, 12 minutes, and 53 seconds. She began her journey at 4:20 a.m and ended at about 11 pm, navigating the waters of Florida with determination. Supported by eight kayak teams, Madison overcame numerous challenges, including a flipped kayak, lost electronics, and rough waters, to complete her swim. “Our mission was to stay the course, no matter the challenges,” she said. “We faced a five-mile detour due to shallow waters and rough seas, but I was determined to complete what I started.”

Madison's swim, while highlighting her endurance and commitment, primarily serves as a call to action for the community to support our veterans. The funds raised through this effort will provide essential service dogs for veterans attending Be Resilient Clinics, which are put on by the staff at SOF Missions. These clinics provide 12 months of comprehensive care addressing psychological, physical, spiritual, and social aspects of recovery for veterans.

Pictured: Swimmer Julie Madison, supported by members of her volunteer kayak teams. Photo courtesy of Julie Madison.

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