Philo Project - Vigilant Torch

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“I just want to thank Vigilant Torch for the opportunity to get this test. My test did in fact catch something in the early stages that is fairly easily reversible at this stage but could have been fatal in 10-15 years.”
- SOF Veteran

“While the scan thankfully didn’t show any cancer, it did identify three major areas of concern, if left untreated would have been disastrous later down the road….”
- SOF Veteran

We are thrilled to share incredible news: together, we did it!

Thanks to your generosity and commitment, we have officially met and exceeded our matching gift goal for the Clear the List!! campaign in support of the Philo Project. What began as a $252,000 match grew to an extraordinary $300,000 opportunity. And you rose to the challenge.

Because of you, we raised $408,888. With $300,000 of that amount being matched, our total now stands at an astounding $708,888.52. And we met our goal over a month and a half before the deadline.

Your support has a direct and immediate impact on our Special Operations veterans. When we launched this effort, our waiting list included 225 veterans in need of full-body scans. By the time the campaign closed, that number had risen to 262. It is because of your generosity that every single one of them will receive the care they deserve.

We cleared the list.

And only because of you.

But the mission isn’t over.

This remarkable milestone highlights a core truth: we may clear the list today, but the need will never truly disappear. New veterans seek help every month. The need is enduring, and so is our commitment.

We celebrate this victory today, but we continue the work. We aren’t done. With your continued support, we can prepare for future cohorts. Please consider continuing your support by including the Philo Project in your charitable giving.

A Note for Philo Project Applicants

If you submitted an application on or before November 15, you should hear from Jillian Rowe before the end of November to schedule your scan.

If you do not receive communication by then, please contact Brian Gellman at BrianG@vigilant-torch.org for assistance.

Thank you to our campaign's Title Sponsor, Minburn Technology Group!

The Special Operations community is facing a significant challenge with a high rate of cancer diagnoses and deaths likely due to mission-related exposures. General Bryan Fenton's Cancer Letter to the Force underscores the importance of proactive health measures and vigilance for both active duty and veterans.

In response to this urgent and critical need, we have established the Philo Project, named after a revered member of our community who tragically lost his battle with cancer. The Philo Project aims to provide our highest risk members with a FREE full-body MRI facilitated by Prenuvo. This cutting-edge MRI technology offers comprehensive insights into one's health, enabling early detection and proactive management of potential health concerns, including various cancers and over 500 other health conditions. Importantly, the MRI procedure is non-invasive, painless, and radiation-free.

Currently, full-body MRI scans are not available through any veteran or Department of Defense facility. Medical insurance does not cover the cost of this preventative procedure. The lack of accessibility to such preventive and proactive scans poses a significant challenge for service members, their families, and veterans. The Philo Project seeks to bridge this gap by providing these critical screenings to our community.

The scans not only provide detailed results but also include an appointment with a medical provider from Prenuvo to review the scan and address any questions or concerns. In addition to detecting potential health issues early on, the scans also allow for the thorough assessment of conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, injuries, and other underlying health issues that may contribute to mental and physical health challenges. From a mental health perspective, these scans can aid in proper medical diagnosis, addressing issues related to sleep, hormones, mood, and more.

Overall, the Philo Project represents a crucial step towards prioritizing the health and well-being of our Special Operations community members. Through early detection and proactive management, we aim to make a significant and positive impact on the lives of those who have dedicated themselves to serving our nation.

Must be a member in good standing or a currently assigned active duty member.

Vigilant Torch will periodically open application windows throughout the year. Each member who applies during a window will be placed in a cohort. Members will apply for the scan by sharing medical information and risk factors such as exposures, personal history, and family history. This information will be kept confidential under appropriate protocols.

Vigilant Torch will work with a third-party medical provider, who will review the applications and assess risk factors. Funding will be prioritized for those with the most significant risk per cohort, subject to funds available. The Vigilant Torch coordinator will contact each applicant to inform them if Vigilant Torch will be able to pay for a scan in this cohort, or if their application will be reexamined in the next cohort.

Once selected, participants will be contacted by Prenuvo to schedule their MRI scan at a location of their choice. Prenuvo has multiple locations throughout the US. By exception, members may seek travel reimbursement from Vigilant Torch if there is a compelling need.

Undergo the full-body MRI scan at a location of choice.

Receive comprehensive results from Prenuvo's team of medical professionals, which includes a report to provide to other medical providers and the VA. If there is a health need that requires it, Vigilant Torch will assist in finding relevant organizations to potentially provide case management and resources.

Apply Now for Philo Project

Need more background information?

Want to learn more in-depth details about Prenuvo and its MRI screening? Read this white paper.

Interested in seeing an example of the report you'll receive? View this sample report.

If you wish to speak to a FUM who has already completed the process, three members have volunteered to share their experiences. Feel free to contact them with any question about their experience:

Jim Morgan - jim.morgan.va@gmail.com

Brian Gellman - briang@vigilant-torch.org

If you have any general questions about how Vigilant Torch will execute the Philo Project, please contact Brian Gellman, Vigilant Torch's Executive Director, at briang@vigilant-torch.org.

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