Always Support the Troops

Ultimate Fighting Championship - Fight for the Troops 2

The UFC is a great example of the way that we should support the United States military troops. Volunteer men and women put their lives and their futures on the line for American freedom. The UFC has made a commitment to help support the troops who return injured. One way they do this is by hosting their own fundraiser -- UFC Fight for the Troops 2.

The UFC Fight for the Troops 2 is the second fundraising event to help returning troops that were injured in combat or during service. At their first fight fundraiser they were able to raise over $4 million dollars. The UFC feels a sense of duty to help the injured troops who fight daily for the country. The great UFC commentator, Joe Rogan, so honestly stated that the government should prioritize caring for the troops, but they don't, so the UFC is going to be there to help...because it is the right thing to do. The money raised by the UFC fight night goes to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, a privately funded non profit that treats wounded service members.

As medical technology has advanced there are more men and women who are surviving attacks on the battle field, surviving wounds that would have killed them in the past. This is both good and bad. The soldiers coming back from combat today are coming home to doctors who are unable to treat them. Brain injury is not well understood. The government unfortunately does not have the funds to provide the state of the art treatment and research that the troops require. Fighting a different type of war returns a different type of wounded soldier. It is unfortunate that the government who puts them in danger cannot protect them when they return home.

What is Traumatic Brain Injury?

The US Military is returning an astounding number of troops with Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI. Any time there is trauma to the brain, even a concussion, it can cause brain damage. Depending on the area of the brain that is hurt, a different symptoms can result. Some injured people live with significant impairment, some showing obvious injuries and others whose injuries might not be as visibly noticeable, but they are definitely present. Brain injuries cause silent suffering, especially for those who do not know why they are different, why they are having trouble rejoining society or acclimating to new situations. Veterans who are struggling in any way emotionally or physically should seek treatment. Soldiers may not want to admit there is anything wrong, but finding out the cause of the difficulty finding words or blank spells can bring some relief in validation and understand there is a physical reason. Symptoms of TBI include short and long term memory problems, anxiety, depression, forgetfulness, weird behavior, blackouts, sensory troubles, and many other symptoms. When it comes to the brain, it is not always about the amount of damage to the brain, but the fact that it was injured, and this includes just being knocked unconscious as well as getting shot in the head or in an explosion.

The UFC Loves the US Soldiers

The mixed martial arts community comes together great to put on a fight for the military troops. This UFC Fight for the Troops 2 takes place in a huge military hangar in Texas. Every UFC fighter who is on the fight card for this event conveys their admiration, gratitude, and comradeship. The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund has already done a lot of great work. It is likely that their cutting edge research will offer neurological answers that end up treating more than just wounded soldiers. Brain injury is something that many people suffer from regardless of their military service. Neuroscience is an important field because there is just too little known about the brain.

Help UFC Raise Money for TBI Research for Injured Troops

If you want to donate money you can bid on UFC Fight for the Troops 2 auction items until the evening of January 23, 2011. You can also call and if you donate over $100 then you will receive a UFC Fight for the Troops 2 shirt. Those who want to donate by text message can text the word "troops" to 22772. If you miss the donation period but you want to help Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund you can contact Intrepid. They are a 501c3 non-profit that is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those who sacrifice for ours.

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