Jennifer Butler’s Journey Through PTSD—and a Return to Living

"Prolonged exposure therapy didn’t erase my trauma, but it gave me my life back." 

Strength in Service

Jennifer Butler proudly served with the Army National Guard, deploying to Afghanistan in 2012–2013. But when she returned home, a new battle began—the long and difficult road through the VA system to find healing.

By 2013–2014, Jennifer had reached a critical point. She began seeking help through the VA, connecting with a therapist at the Charleston VA Medical Center named Stephanie.

Facing the Past

Stephanie introduced Jennifer to prolonged exposure therapy—a powerful but challenging treatment for PTSD.

The process was intense. Jennifer was asked to record herself recounting her traumatic experiences, listen back, and journal about it. Her homework exercises pushed her outside her comfort zone: pulling straight into parking spots instead of backing in, sitting in restaurants with her back to the door, and staying present in public spaces—all ways to confront memories she had long avoided.

It was painful work. But it was also life-saving.

"It worked," Jennifer says simply. Nightmares, isolation, fear—she carried them all. But over time, the therapy helped her regain a sense of control.

Steps Toward Healing

Today, Jennifer can go to concerts and  attend big sport events—experiences that once seemed unimaginable. Her therapist at the VA was amazed by her progress, knowing just how steep the climb is for someone with deeply traumatic memories.

Continuing the Mission

Jennifer’s healing journey isn’t over. She’s currently participating in another VA research study at Charleston focused on sleep and its connection to PTSD.

For Jennifer, VA research—and the dedicated therapists who believed in her—did more than treat symptoms. They opened the door to living fully again.

Betzaida Ingram’s Journey from Military Service to Lifesaving Research

“Every part of my VA experience—especially the trial—has been positive. I’m so grateful I said yes.”

Breaking New Ground

Betzaida Ingram proudly served nearly 12 years in the U.S. Army, with assignments that took her from Fort Knox and Fort Devens to Korea, Germany, and Maryland. Following her service, Betzaida’s mission changed—from global deployments to securing steady, high-quality care back home.

In 2021, Betzaida enrolled in VA health care for the first time. She was looking for a primary care provider—someone to keep track of her records in one place. What she found was more than just care; she found a path to a clinical trial that may have saved her life.

A Routine Visit That Changed Everything

During a regular check-up in 2023, her VA doctor suggested a lung cancer screening due to her long history as a smoker. She agreed—and the scan revealed a mass in her upper left lung.

Following protocol, she was referred to pulmonology, where her specialist introduced her to a clinical trial at the Baltimore VA. It was part of the VALOR Study, a pioneering VA research initiative designed to improve treatment options for Veterans diagnosed with lung cancer.

“I said yes to the trial—and I’m so glad I did.”

A Pivotal First

Betzaida became the first successful randomization at the Baltimore site and the only woman—and only Latina—enrolled there at the time. From the moment she joined, she felt supported. A dedicated concierge nurse coordinated all her appointments, from her biopsy to consultations with thoracic surgery and radiation specialists.

Once randomized into the surgical arm of the trial, she underwent surgery to remove the upper lobe of her left lung. She spent just two nights in the hospital. Within five weeks, she was nearly back to normal. Today, she says, she feels better than she did before.

A New Chapter

Her two-year surgery anniversary is coming up in July 2025—a milestone she never imagined reaching when she first walked through the VA’s doors.

Betzaida’s story isn’t just about survival—it’s about the power of timely care, the promise of research, and the courage to try something new.

Laurie Smith’s Long Road to a Lung Cancer Diagnosis—and a New Lease on Life

"Having radiation instead of surgery allowed me to continue care for my husband." 

A Soldier’s Strength

Laurie Smith proudly served 20 years in the U.S. Army. But her service came with sacrifice. During her second deployment in Iraq, she was medically evacuated—a pivotal moment that would later connect to a health battle she never expected.

A Mysterious Spot

In 2021, Laurie underwent a routine lung cancer screening. As a former smoker, it was precautionary. A spot was found on her lung, but her  civilian pulmonologist wasn’t able to identify the cause. It was too deep for a biopsy, so she was placed on a watch-and-wait plan—CT scans every three months, but no answers.

The lesion echoed one found during her military service. Some suspected valley fever, but that too remained unresolved.

A Delayed Diagnosis

It wasn’t until December 2023, over two years later, that Laurie got a clearer picture—this time through the VA. She sought care at Durham VA Medical Center, a facility known for its cancer expertise.

A specialist reviewed her history, considered the possibility of valley fever, and ultimately ordered a biopsy.

The result: lung cancer—adenocarcinoma.

A Turning Point Through VA Research

As her VA care team developed a treatment plan, Laurie was invited to provide a saliva sample as part of a research study exploring new, non-invasive ways to detect cancer.

She was also offered a second, entirely separate opportunity: to participate in the VALOR Study—a groundbreaking VA research initiative offering personalized, precision-guided treatment options for Veterans with cancer.

Choosing the Right Care

Laurie faced a difficult decision. As a full-time caregiver for her husband, a fellow disabled Veteran, she had to consider both her health and her responsibilities at home.

With her VA team, she opted for a cutting-edge, non-surgical radiation therapy that allowed for minimal downtime. It was a personalized approach—tailored to her needs and her life—supported by regular pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and CT scans to monitor her progress.

VA research didn’t just give Laurie options—it gave her control over her care and her future.

Chris Blomgren’s Journey from Crisis to Control

“The SGB has allowed me to enjoy a lot more interest in both my homestead and spending time with both boys, which was a struggle beforehand.”

Struggling with PTSD

Discovering the Stellate Ganglion Block Study

Seeing the Results

Why Veterans Need VA Research

This wasn’t just a treatment—it was part of a formal VA research study exploring innovative PTSD interventions. Chris believes VA should make it easier for veterans to connect with life-changing research.

Veterans shouldn't have to chase down life-changing research--research should find them.