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.

Invisible Wounds Foundation

Invisible Wounds Foundation

Invisible Wounds Foundation 820 W. Jackson Boulevard Suite 210 Chicago, IL 60607


What We Do

A targeted, strategic effort to diagnose, treat, and prevent traumatic brain injuries in SOF personnel. The initiative builds strategic partnerships, funds high-impact research, unites leading brain health experts, and advances diagnostics, treatment, and prevention strategies for blast-induced TBI.


Regenerative Medicine


Key People

Chief Executive Officer & Founder; Chair, Board of Directors

Chief Strategy Officer

Communications Director

Senior Advisor, Programming

Finance Director; Treasurer, Board of Directors


News & Updates

Senate hearings in 2024 amplified calls from experts like Dr. Brian Edlow and Dr. Daniel Perl for advanced diagnostic tools and understanding long-term effects of blast exposure, specifically tailored to SOF needs.

Congress allocated nearly $3 billion to the DoD for TBI research, though most funding focused on treating symptoms rather than investigating root causes of blast-induced brain injuries.

Soldiers who sustain three concussions within 12 months must now undergo comprehensive medical evaluations, recognizing the cumulative impact of repeated brain trauma.

Senator Elizabeth Warren led a hearing exposing serious gaps in the military’s approach to TBI prevention and treatment, calling for more proactive protections for service members.

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.

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