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Our Purpose

We exist to safeguard the brain health of our most elite warriors.

Healing starts when we come together.

Our Vision:

Eliminate the invisible wounds of combat-related brain injury for every special operations force member.

Our Mission:

Advancing science to

DiagnoseTreatPrevent

Traumatic brain injuries among special operations forces

A doctor in a white coat holds a sheet of brain scan images, focusing on one highlighted with a black circle. The mood is clinical and analytical.
Soldiers in desert camouflage run through a rocky landscape, guns drawn. Dust rises around them, creating a tense and dynamic atmosphere under a clear sky.
Our Purpose:

We exist to safeguard the brain
health of our most elite warriors.

Our Work

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the

Signature Wound of the Global War on Terror

2x

Special Operations are more than two times as likely to sustain a TBI as conventional forces.

5yrs.

The average wait time for SOF personnel to receive TBI rehabilitation: 1,746 days from injury.

$3B

Amount allocated to military TBI research, yet still no objective diagnostic tool exists for TBI.

A person examines brain scan images on a tablet, focusing intently. The setting is a clinical environment, conveying a sense of concentration and analysis.

We are

Science-forward

We are

Science-forward

Group of three professionals in lab coats examining data on large screens, conveying focus and collaboration in a modern, high-tech setting.

We are

collaborative

We are

collaborative

Shannon Connell in an elegant navy dress speaks at a podium at Evening of Honor. Attendees sit at round tables, and large windows reveal a lush green view.

We are a

Catalyst

We are a

Catalyst

Centering science and collaboration, we aim to catalyze change in addressing TBI within our Special Operations Forces, shifting the focus toward innovation and prevention. SOF members face disproportionately high exposure to blast-related brain injuries, and breakthroughs in their care will have a ripple effect throughout the broader military community.

Our Work

The Time to Advance Research is Now

“Those who defend our country and protect our way of life deserve the best medical care. We as a society owe it to them, and until we advance this field, we won’t live up to our responsibility.”

Dr. Brian L. Edlow in a suit and tie smiles warmly outdoors. Sunlit trees and shrubs create a soft, inviting background, suggesting a pleasant, professional setting.

Dr. Brian l. Edlow

Critical Care Neurologist Co-Director, Mass. General Neuroscience Assoc. Prof. of Neurology, Harvard Medical School
“Ryan’s last mission will be accomplished when we see these men and women getting the care that they need… and mitigating the risk on the front end with prevention.”
Frank Larkin with short gray hair wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and red striped tie. An American flag is visible in the background. Neutral expression.

Frank Larkin

Board of Directors, Invisible Wounds Foundation
It is important that we broaden our focus to recognize and treat our warriors’ cognitive, emotional, and mental health, both on and off duty.”
Vice Admiral Tim Szymanski in a blue suit and polka dot tie stands outdoors. The blurred background has trees and vibrant red flowers, conveying a calm and professional tone.

Vice Admiral Tim Szymanski (Ret.)

Board of Directors, Invisible Wounds Foundation

“The science is evolving. The stories are being heard. Together, we can create meaningful change for every warrior and every family.”

Shannon Finn Connell with long brown hair wearing a black suit and white button down shirt. Background is blurred with soft, indoor lighting.

Shannon Finn Connell

CEO, Invisible Wounds Foundation
About Us

From the frontlines

To The
Headlines

Defense Bill Orders Military to Take New Action on Brain Injury

Congress passed a sweeping new set of mandates on brain safety in the military.

Public Policy

Military-Related Blasts May Harm the Brain Through Blood Vessels

Imaging studies reveal that blood flow is affected in people who have a career history with blast exposure.

Media Coverage

Pentagon Examines Causes of Troops' Brain Injuries

Researchers don’t know why some exposed to blast waves are impacted while others aren’t.

Media Coverage

Defense Bill Orders Military to Take New Action on Brain Injury

Congress passed a sweeping new set of mandates on brain safety in the military.

Read Full Article

Military-Related Blasts May Harm the Brain Through Blood Vessels

Imaging studies reveal that blood flow is affected in people who have a career history with blast exposure.

Read Full Article

Pentagon Examines Causes of Troops' Brain Injuries

Researchers don’t know why some exposed to blast waves are impacted while others aren’t.

Read Full Article

Pentagon Examines Causes of Troops’ Brain Injuries

Researchers don’t know why some exposed to blast waves are impacted while others aren’t.

Read Full Article

Military-Related Blasts May Harm the Brain Through Blood Vessels

Imaging studies reveal that blood flow is affected in people who have a career history with blast exposure.

Read Full Article

Defense Bill Orders Military to Take New Action on Brain Injury

Congress passed a sweeping new set of mandates on brain safety in the military.

Read Full Article
Read More

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The mission

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We envision a future where

No service member suffers from the invisible wounds of traumatic brain injury