Aaron Waxman & Associates receives Corporate Recognition Award at 14th annual Heroes Tribute Gala

On February 28, 2015, the lawyers at Aaron Waxman & Associates attended the “Behind The Mask”- 14th annual Heroes Tribute Gala put on by the Tema Conter Memorial Trust.

The Tema Conter Memorial Trust , through research, education, training, peer and psychological support aims to help Canada’s front line/first line responders (correctional, emergency and military services) who experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of witnessing tragic and frightening events during the course of their employment.

The firm was the title sponsor of the event. The Heroes Tribute Gala recognizes the contributions that first line responses make to society and the impact that PTSD can/does have on them. Mr. Waxman received a corporate recognition award for the firm’s sponsorship of the organization.



It is well documented that first line responders experience higher rates of PTSD compared to other professions.

How does PTSD develop? According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, post-traumatic stress disorder is classified as a mental illness and “involves exposure to trauma involving death or the threat of death, serious injury, or sexual violence”. A frightening, traumatic event becomes overwhelming and causes a person to become distressed.

The CMHA lists traumatic events as:

• Crimes
• Natural disasters
• Accidents
• War or conflict
• Other threats to life

The traumatic event could be something that you experience or something that happens to others/loved ones.

A person who experiences post-traumatic stress order may experience symptoms such as:

• Nightmares
• Flashbacks (thoughts of the event that may come out of nowhere) 
• Avoidance behaviours (avoiding places/actions that remind him/her of the event)
• Feeling nervous/on edge 
• Easily startled 
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feeling numb/detaching
• Feeling disconnected
• Changes in moods and thoughts

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, not all traumatic experiences lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, and it isn’t clear why trauma causes PTSD in some people and not others, but different factors may provide some explanation including the length of time the trauma lasted, how many traumatic experiences a person has experienced, their reactions and support received.

It is also important to consider, as with any mental illness, the effect that stigma has. Stigma prevents people from seeking help and treatment. The Tema Conter Memorial Trust brings PTSD awareness to the fore and lets us know that “Heroes Are Human”.