Invisible Wounds Foundation
Invisible Wounds Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding the brain health of elite warriors, particularly Special Operations Forces (SOF). Founded in 2022 by Shannon Connell, the organization addresses the critical gap in research, diagnosis, and care for traumatic brain injuries (TBI) among SOF personnel. With a mission to advance science for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of combat-related brain injuries, Invisible Wounds Foundation brings together leading experts, catalyzes high-impact research, and advocates for innovative solutions. Their vision is a future where no service member suffers from the invisible wounds of TBI. The Foundation leads the Special Operations Forces Brain Health Initiative, building strategic partnerships, funding research, and uniting top experts to advance diagnostics, treatment, and prevention strategies for blast-induced TBI. The Foundation also fosters community engagement through events and volunteer opportunities, furthering awareness and support for TBI research and care.
Industries
N/A
Nr. of Employees
small (1-50)
Invisible Wounds Foundation
Invisible Wounds Foundation 820 W. Jackson Boulevard Suite 210 Chicago, IL 60607
Products
Public resource library (curated research, media, and community stories)
An online catalog organized for stakeholder access containing categorized research summaries, media coverage, community narratives, and related publications on military brain health; supports search, tagging, and embedded article content.
Public resource library (curated research, media, and community stories)
An online catalog organized for stakeholder access containing categorized research summaries, media coverage, community narratives, and related publications on military brain health; supports search, tagging, and embedded article content.
Services
Issues competitive grants, convenes scientific and clinical experts, and funds research aimed at diagnosing, preventing, and mitigating blast‑related TBI in military populations.
Maintains an online catalog of categorized resources and media coverage, curates research summaries and community narratives, embeds third‑party content, and disseminates findings to stakeholders and the public.
Organizes in‑person fundraising and awareness events, including donor outreach, sponsorship development, ticketing/registration, and program logistics to raise funds and engage stakeholders.
Issues competitive grants, convenes scientific and clinical experts, and funds research aimed at diagnosing, preventing, and mitigating blast‑related TBI in military populations.
Maintains an online catalog of categorized resources and media coverage, curates research summaries and community narratives, embeds third‑party content, and disseminates findings to stakeholders and the public.
Organizes in‑person fundraising and awareness events, including donor outreach, sponsorship development, ticketing/registration, and program logistics to raise funds and engage stakeholders.
Expertise Areas
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) research funding and strategy
- Blast‑related brain‑injury diagnostics and prevention
- Translational research and operational implementation
- Scientific advisory formation and grant governance
Key Technologies
- Neuroimaging (multiple brain imaging modalities)
- Cognitive baseline and standardized assessment testing
- Biomarker discovery for brain injury
- Early diagnostic tool development for brain injury
News & Updates
A fundraising event hosted at Olympia Fields to support the brain health of Special Operations Forces. Registration and sponsorships are available.
Annual Golf Invitational on July 14, 2025, at Olympia Fields Country Club, supporting advancements in brain health for elite warriors. Registration opens at 9:30 am.
A special event on September 14, 2025, at the Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL, to honor and support the mission to advance science for diagnosing, treating, and preventing TBI among Special Operations Forces.
Congress passed a sweeping new set of mandates on brain safety in the military.
Imaging studies reveal that blood flow is affected in people who have a career history with blast exposure.
Researchers don’t know why some exposed to blast waves are impacted while others aren’t.
A fundraising event hosted at Olympia Fields to support the brain health of Special Operations Forces. Registration and sponsorships are available.
Annual Golf Invitational on July 14, 2025, at Olympia Fields Country Club, supporting advancements in brain health for elite warriors. Registration opens at 9:30 am.
A special event on September 14, 2025, at the Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL, to honor and support the mission to advance science for diagnosing, treating, and preventing TBI among Special Operations Forces.
Congress passed a sweeping new set of mandates on brain safety in the military.
Imaging studies reveal that blood flow is affected in people who have a career history with blast exposure.
Researchers don’t know why some exposed to blast waves are impacted while others aren’t.