This night of great fights on Spike has the intention of raising as much money as possible to benefit our returning injured soldiers; more specifically, soldiers who suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI. TBI is a battle injury that is every bit as serious as the gruesome surface wounds that are all too frequently inflicted on our men. But TBI regularly goes unnoticed for days, months or even years and thus causes far more physical and emotional pain than other, more obvious wounds. Currently, there is a severe lack of funding, research and support services for those experiencing TBI symptoms, and that is precisely what we are out to change.
The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund is dedicated to building a state-of the-art facility to be named National Intrepid Center of Excellence, which will aim to address the crucial issues of TBI in several ways:
- Advance research to understand TBI
- Use that knowledge to develop improved diagnoses and treatments
- Apply those new diagnosis methods and treatments to sufferers of TBI
- Expand these new lessons out from the center and into the field, so proper diagnosis and improve treatment can be applied as early as possible after the injury is suffered
Returning soldiers often attempt to make the transition back into civilian society, never fully understanding their situation and find it near impossible to effectively assimilate. It is not uncommon to hear of soldiers who finally make it back to their homes only to find a family they cannot recognize. It can be difficult to hold a steady job, maintain social relationships and even operate motor vehicles. Their lives fall apart. They often turn to drugs and alcohol, sometimes violent crimes and even suicide, thus cementing a truly tragic end to a hero's life.
We're putting on the show and the UFC's great athletes are fighting for something bigger than a title tonight. You can also be a part of that "something bigger" by donating to this great cause here and spreading the word to friends and family of how they can also help.
