The 22 Project

What exactly is a SPECT scan?

Most people are familiar with MRI or CT scans. Those scans show us the structure of the brain — what it looks like.

A SPECT scan is different. It shows us blood flow and activity within the brain, helping us understand how the brain is functioning.

For many of the veterans we serve, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) don't show up on traditional imaging. A veteran can be told their MRI looks "normal" while still struggling with headaches, memory problems, sleep issues, anxiety, depression, irritability, or PTSD symptoms.

SPECT imaging gives us another piece of the puzzle.

At The 22 Project, every veteran receives a brain SPECT scan before and after treatment. These images help us better understand what may be happening in the brain, guide conversations around healing, and allow veterans to see changes over time.

Perhaps most importantly, many veterans tell us that seeing their brain scan helps them realize something powerful:
They're not broken.�There's a reason they've been struggling.�And healing is possible.

Every brain tells a story. We're honored to help veterans understand theirs. 🇺🇸

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to this country. Their sacrifice is not forgotten.

Today, we also honor veterans like Andy, whose legacy continues to live on at The 22 Project. Andy cared deeply about his fellow veterans and believed no one should struggle alone after service. He connected many veterans to our program and helped create the kind of community that keeps people showing up for one another long after treatment ends.

Because of leaders like Andy, spaces for fellowship and connection continue to exist today. We carry that legacy forward through Camp Snow, our biweekly veteran gathering named in his honor, where veterans come together for support and connection.

Over the last 11 years, The 22 Project has served more than 435 veterans living with the invisible wounds of war. To date, we have had zero reported su***des among the veterans we have served.

Today is about remembering those we lost — and honoring them by continuing to care for the brothers and sisters they fought beside.

One of our favorite things is when veterans bring their service dogs with them during treatment.

Families often tell us they start noticing little changes throughout the HBOT process. Sleeping better. Laughing more. Being more present. Looking a little lighter.

But honestly… one of the coolest things is seeing how the dogs respond.

We’ve had veterans tell us their service dogs seem calmer, less on edge, more relaxed. Almost like they can feel the difference too.

There’s something really sweet about watching that bond up close. The trust between a veteran and their dog runs deep, and it’s been so special having Trong and Sebastian with us during this part of the journey.

Last month, Board Member, Peter, had the opportunity to attend FAU’s gala and spend time with the university’s President Hasner, whose support and encouragement of student-led philanthropy continues to make a huge impact.

The work of the ATO fraternity at FAU is pretty amazing. Over the past year, they’ve raised more than $50,000 for The 22 Project, directly helping us get veterans into treatment and on a path toward healing.

When leadership, students, and community come together around a shared mission, it creates something bigger than any one effort. We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support, the conversations, and the people who keep showing up for our veterans 🇺🇸