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 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.
Application Area
Show More (1)Battlefield Resuscitation
Psychological and Cognitive Health and Performance
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
Board Director
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.
Researchers don’t know why some exposed to blast waves are impacted while others aren’t.
Media coverage article discussing best practices developed by Army Special Forces and new military requirements for baseline cognitive tests and training safety rules. (Published June 2, 2025)
Media coverage article highlighting the spread of SOF-developed brain health best practices to the broader military, including new cognitive testing requirements. (Published June 2, 2025)
Media coverage article on the adoption of SOF brain health protocols and new military safety standards. (Published June 2, 2025)
Media coverage article on the implementation of cognitive testing and safety rules for military personnel, inspired by SOF best practices. (Published June 2, 2025)
Community story article on the impact of SOF brain health initiatives and new military protocols. (Published June 2, 2025)
Community story article on the spread of SOF brain health best practices and new military cognitive testing requirements. (Published June 2, 2025)
Community story article on the adoption of SOF-developed brain health protocols and new safety standards in the military. (Published June 2, 2025)
Community story article discussing the ongoing efforts and stories from the frontlines to the headlines regarding SOF brain health. (Published June 3, 2025)
Feature article by dev-admin (January 1, 2025) discussing the ongoing efforts to advance brain health best practices from the frontlines to the headlines, including the spread of SOF-developed protocols and new military requirements for cognitive testing and safety standards.
Trending research article highlighting the importance of cognitive testing and the implementation of SOF best practices across the military.
Trending research article on the spread of SOF-developed brain health best practices and new cognitive testing requirements for all military personnel.
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.