Delegate and Disappear: Invisible Wounds and Mefloquine-Messed Minds

Overlapping with and compounding the impacts of post-traumatic stress disorder, mefloquine toxicity is a condition caused by anti-malarial drugs once routinely used in the Canadian Armed Forces-issued and ordered to be taken by tens of thousands of veterans, some still serving, left with a condition that has impacted thousands of veterans termed Quinism and has for too long been ignored. These invisible wounds are laid bare in Delegate and Disappear, Bruce Given's stunningly honest story of his service and sacrifice with the Canadian Armed Forces.

In this gripping memoir, Given generously offers his experiences, making it clear that the battle does not end when veterans return home from service-the fight continues to ensure that adequate supports for veterans and the truth about mefloquine toxicity are not denied, and to survive the physical and mental conditions that often follow service.

Given refuses to let those at the top simply disappear after giving the orders. In sharing his story, he is saying enough is enough; it's time for veterans to be heard.

Bruce Given (he/him) served multiple deployments with the Canadian Armed Forces, including six and a half years overseas. A survivor of the invisible wounds that plagued him afterward, Bruce is a notable advocate in the veteran community and has assisted with and cohosted numerous rallies to raise awareness about mefloquine toxicity. He has also served as the operations manager for the Veterans Association Food Bank in Edmonton, as a mentor to young offenders through the Veteran Mentorship Program, and as a representative with Quilts of Valor in the Edmonton area.

Bruce lives in Edmonton with his wife, Kim, as well as his service dog, Lola, and Lola's pup Gizmo-both purebred German Shepherds. In addition to writing, Bruce enjoys cards, chess, and veterans' coffee gatherings, and outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, and camping when and if able to do so.