HunterSeven Foundation

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in hypogonadal (low testosterone) men has been linked to a significant decrease… DECREASE, in overall prostate cancer risk.

Specifically, these men experience a more than 50% reduction in localized prostate cancer incidence, and it may lower the incidence of late-stage metastatic prostate cancer.

Despite a lower risk of prostate cancer diagnoses and related mortality compared to the general population, provider concerns persist regarding TRT’s impact on prostate health, and here is why: TRT initially elevates prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, potentially triggering anxiety and unnecessary prostate biopsies that may detect low-grade prostate cancer with minimal clinical significance.

However, PSA levels in those with low testosterone are lower than average to begin with. So, while it may look like there is a significant increase, in actuality, it is increasing to normalcy.

Why is this important?

Low testosterone in post-9/11 military veterans is seemingly becoming more and more common. This trend can increase due to several factors related to a veteran’s service and experiences - traumatic brain injuries, exposures to environmental hazards and carcinogens, chronic stressors, and commonly prescribed medications.

The symptoms that make hormonal dysfunction so dangerous, more dangerous than an elevated PSA, are those that often overlap and co-occur in those with depression. Increased anxiety, worsening fatigue, brain fog, low s*x drive, and irritability, to name a few.

When dealing with these symptoms for months to years at a time can make living quite tricky. Review the clinical trial results and publications: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/results/NCT03518034?view=results

HunterSeven is heading to next weekend for the “More Freedom, Less Cancer” Charity Event and Raffle hosted by Bighorn Fi****ms

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• WHEN: This Saturday, June 22nd from 11a to 3p

• WHERE: Bighorn Frearms, 2175 S. Jasmine St., Denver, CO

• WHAT: Lots of badass raffle items, food trucks, axe throwing, DJ’ing, and a special VIP guest appearance, hint: He has his own video game character, he’s an author and an absolute warrior! Who do you think it is? 🧐

• WHY: Because Cancer Fkn Sucks!! (And we’ll have our new, limited edition Black and Gold shirts available)

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And so many other awesome things to get your hands on! It’s a win-win… win. More and Less Cancer! And every dollar spent is considered a donation that will continue to change lives of our fellow

▶️ Any companies or businesses interested in donating an item for the raffle? Let us know!

We look forward to seeing everyone this weekend in 🇺🇸🏔️🥳

View a few of the items at: https://bighornfirearms.com/huntersevenraffle

🇺🇸 DAY - What does it mean to you?

Freedom.
Camaraderie.
Sacrifice.
Unwavering Dedication.
Commitment.
Grief.
Prosperity.
Safety.
Honor.
and Hope.

For Love of Country 🇺🇸

HunterSeven is unlike any other nonprofit organization you've seen. We don't hold big, lavish, front-facing events or fundraise millions. Hell, we haven't even broken an annual million-dollar budget. We operate off grassroots donations to change how preventive medicine and cancer identification in the post-9/11 veteran communities.

We love what we do; we love seeing the positive, life-changing impact. It is always a humbling experience, and we cannot thank Joshua Skovlund enough for placing his trust and health in our hands. (And yes, this is a picture of his brain).

From identifying in-situ and early-stage cancers to brain aneurysms and autoimmune disorders. The capabilities and resources we can provide post-9/11 military veterans through these whole-body MRI scans are so uniquely powerful.

Humbly speaking, the HunterSeven Foundation has served 241 post-9/11 military veterans and active duty service members with cancer care, medical treatments, and cancer screening, including this MRI scan through Prenuvo collectively totaling $423,530 since January 1st, 2024!

Knowledge is Power, and Education is Key! We need the continued support of the community to continue this effort; consider being a part of the life-changing solution: www.HunterSeven.org/Donate

Read the full point-of-view write-up firsthand on Task & Purpose - https://taskandpurpose.com/culture/hunterseven-mri-cancer-screening-veterans/

This past week was Kelly Jo McElhenneys birthday, and for those who do not know, she is the surviving spouse of SOF and CSAR pilot LtCol. Jim “Yogi” McElhenney passed away in January 2019 due to two different service-related cancers.

▶️ Read below for what KJ requests for her birthday: “To celebrate my birthday, I am asking anyone to please donate to the fantastic team at HunterSeven in honor of Yogi. While most knew Yogi as a leader and Rescue helicopter pilot, he was also much more: a writer, chef, drummer, avid angler, hunter, and an incredible man - he was my best friend and loving husband. In every role, he was the consummate protector.

Yogi’s memory will continue to be a bastion of kindness, humble service, and love. I’ve never known someone who delighted in life so thoroughly, even after he received his cancer diagnosis.

He pushed himself mentally, physically, and emotionally to be the best he could be, no matter the task or the complexity of the family dilemma. Every day I spent with him, even the worst ones, even the last one, is a day I will be so grateful to have experienced.

In honor of Yogi and to support the incredible work of the HunterSeven Foundation family, we hope to fundraise $7,777 over the next two weeks in honor and memory of Yogi’s life and sacrifice. All 100% of these donations and proceeds for the F👣CK CANCER Yogi shirts will be used for cancer screenings in at-risk military veterans!"

Preorders are open until Sunday night: www.HunterSeven.org/Yogi

Find ways to remember them and honor their service and sacrifice. This could involve telling their story, educating a teammate, making a donation, or honoring their legacy by doing what they loved—especially because they no longer can.

Our team completed the today in honor of the third anniversary of the passing of a hero, Navy SEAL, SOC Zackary Miller II, who passed away as a result of a glioblastoma (brain cancer) while serving on active duty in DEVGRU. Zack was 39 years old on June 4th.

Zack enlisted into the Navy in 2004, initially serving as an aviation ordnanceman aboard the USS Nimitz. Just a few years later, in 2007, Zack entered BUD/S, earning his trident in June 2008. Zack deployed seven times and was a highly decorated special operator, being awarded the Bronze Star with valor, numerous joint commendations, and defense meritorious service awards for his combat actions. He was also a Purple Heart recipient. Among all else, Zack was a highly respected operator as a result of his unparalleled work ethic, his unending positive attitude, and his love and compassion for the teams and his fellow SEALs.

Men like Zack have done the hard things, the things in the dark, deep in the shadows that rarely see the light of day, and Zack did this for his love of country.

They say you die twice. Once, you stop breathing, and a second time, a bit later, when somebody says your name for the last time. Honor Zack, support www.ZackMillerLegacy.com, and challenge yourself to the "ILL MILL" workout, if not for you, then for Zack.

New York friends! Come check it out!
Next weekend, Saturday, June 8th from 13:00 to 17:00, Hoosey’s Dog House in Syracuse will be hosting a pig roast fundraiser for the HunterSeven Foundations program!

The fundraising idea was brought forth by Alicia, an Air Force flight medic and combat veteran. We appreciate her initiative to support fellow veterans while roasting up some delicious BBQ!

Check it out next Saturday! Enter the raffle, enjoy yourselves and let’s save as many veteran lives from preventable cancer deaths as possible! 🇺🇸

Hooseys DogHouse
108 Williams Street, Syracuse, NY

▶️ Interesting in hosting an event? Email [email protected]

On Memorial Day, just two days ago, 29-year-old Army Combat Veteran and Lafayette Firefighter, 29-year-old Darion Whetstone, passed away peacefully after a short but hard-fought battle with

Darion, better known as "Doogie," was driven by a profound duty to the country and others. He enlisted in the United States Army as a 15T—UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter Crew Chief. He served within the Louisiana Army National Guards' 1st Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment. From 2017 to 2018, Doogie was deployed to the Middle East, spending time in Iraq's Camp Taji, around LCF, and Green Village in Syria. He also conducted missions in Jordan and Kuwait.

Since high school, Doogie had volunteered with the West Feliciana Fire Department and officially joined the Lafayette Fire Department as an Engineer on July 14, 2014. After service, he continued his education in fire sciences at LSU. No matter what Doogie did, he wanted to be the best, not for himself or his accolades, but in service to others. He wanted to be the best he could be for others.

In August 2023, Doogie was diagnosed with stage IV Ewing Sarcoma - a deadly form of bone cancer. The diagnosis came as a shock, but it didn't stop Doogie from marrying his best friend and soulmate, Allison, three months later.

Thoughts and prayers to Doogie's family and loved ones, as well as his Aviation and Firefighting families. The HunterSeven Foundation will be supporting a portion of funeral expenses, as the untimely and unexpected death of this young veteran wasn't part of the plan. Doogie will receive full military and firefighting honors on Monday, June 3rd, at 13:00 at Martin & Castille's Funeral Home.

While we do not know what caused this rare form of bone cancer in Doogie, we do know that aviation-related fumes and fuels, radar, and electronics exposures have the potential to cause gene mutations and cellular changes. We also know that those who deployed to Syria and northern Iraq between 2015 and 2019 are dealing with odd medical conditions, autoimmune diseases, and mysterious cancers. In honor of Doogie, please... take care of yourselves, understand your exposures, and follow up with any symptoms or concerns.

Today we watched dozens of teams shoot as a part of the Green Beret 2-gun event in honor and memory of Marine turned Green Beret, SSG Timothy McGill.

Tim graduated high school in 2001 and immediately enlisted into the Marine Corps. He was in Boot Camp at Parris Island when the 9/11 attacks occurred and he saw action as a machine gunner in the infantry in the second battle of Fallujah while with the 3rd MEF.

After coming home from Iraq, Tim joined the Ramsey Fire Department as a fireman, a way to continue his passion of service to others. It wasn’t long after that Tim found himself wanting more. He decided to re-enlist into the Rhode Island National Guard in hopes of becoming a - which he was awarded in May 2011.

Tim was assigned to A Co., 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group in Middletown, RI and would deploy to the jungles of the Philippines which resulted in a successful rescue mission. In January of 2013 he was assigned to the 1st SFG(A) and was deployed to FOB Shank in Gardez, Afghanistan where he was killed by enemy gunfire on September 21, 2013. He was 30 years old.

Tim received 28 awards including the Bronze Star with valor and the Purple Heart. Tim was truly a gentle giant and an incredible human with a heart of gold.

The funds raised from today’s memorial shoot will be used to honor Tim and support fellow Green Berets within 19th SFG(A). Thank you Alex and members of the 19th SFG for allowing HunterSeven to be a part of your incredible mission and dedication 🇺🇸🎗️

19th Special Forces Group, Airborne

🇺🇸 On Christmas Day of last year, we were introduced to TSgt. Kevin Emerich (ret.).

Kevin had retired after 20 years of service from the United States Air Force the year prior. Kevin enlisted in 2002 as a cyber transport systems craftsman.

He was a water survivalist, completed combat survival training, was trained into computer network cryptographic systems and served a large portion of his career in the Command, and the Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE) at MacDill AFB.

Kevin deployed numerous times to the Middle East, Asia, abroad the USNS Comfort to support humanitarian aid, and many classified locations worldwide.

Kevin settled in the outskirts of Tampa as he had always loved the water and teaching others about his passion for diving and spearfishing. He was a golfer, a clay shooter, paddle-boarder, and devoted Eagles fan.

Kevin, his wife and four dogs were ready to begin their journey post-military when Kevin (41 years old) was suddenly diagnosed with stage IV with metastatic disease to his liver… the bills started to pile up.

Kevin was such a humbling man, he was upbeat and had such a positive attitude and outlook. After hearing Kevins situation, we had mobilized support. Our team reached out to Rebecca at Task Force Dagger, she and her team was able to cover down on the outstanding bills Kevin and his family had stacked up, while the HunterSeven team covered off-label treatments and medical support.

Kevin was so grateful and thankful, despite the uphill battle he faced. He was a courageous warrior, loving husband, father, brother and teammate.

He completed his final mission on April 22, 2024, at the age of 42 with his wife Katrina and his dogs by his side. Remember and honor brave men like TSgt. Kevin Emerich on this Memorial Day ❤️🎗️

We visit Walter Reed Oncology/Hematology every three months. I get blood drawn, review the results with the doc, and get a Lupron shot.

This is our battle rhythm.

Our ‘surveillance’ routine.

I don’t let myself focus on these visits because it’s not how I choose to live my life. But, there is no escaping the looming question that arises every three months when you’re playing the containment game.

Will the numbers still look good?
Will PSA still be undetectable?

In other words, is the containment strategy still working? That angst is best mitigated with attitude. I choose to stay positive. I choose to make every day matter…” -

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If you are looking for some this is it:
Helicopter Pilot, LtCol. Matt Howard (ret.), served 20+ years, flying some of the most sensitive, VIP missions. Matt logged thousands of hours in flight.

But in 2021, Matt was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. He refused to let cancer control how he lived his life. He chose to conquer cancer by living life to the fullest each day.

On July 1st, a little more than a month away, Matt will set off on the 118 mile bicycle ride, called the “Triple Bypass” as the mountains and elevation equals nearly 11,000 feet of vertical climb. While making this trek, Matt is also fundraising for the Travis Manion Foundation and the HunterSeven Foundation to help both organizations continue their lifesaving missions.

We’ll be keeping everyone updated on Matts progress during the trek! And we’ll continue to cheer him on in his battle with 🎗️🇺🇸❤️

▶️ Learn how to support Matt and the mission: https://donate.travismanion.org/fundraiser/5120014

"It’s ok to be tired… just don’t quit.” - Ronald Shurer II

Those few words have embedded themselves in our minds for some time. Something so small, has such a large… larger than life, meaning.

3rd Special Forces Group-Airborne medic and Green Beret, Medal of Honor Recipient, and Secret Service Agent, SSG Ronald Shurer II, passed away, four years ago today, after a long-fought battle with lung cancer at 41.

Ron was inspiring for more reasons than his Medal of Honor citation mentioned. Ron was an incredibly humbling man, inspiring and soft-spoken. Selfless and committed. He was a top-tier medic (which is evident as the men of ODA 3336 took zero fatalities during the battle of Shok Valley), and he was an incredible husband and loving father. Ron is missed by so many, and his legacy leaves large boots to fill for any who may try.

No matter how tired you are... how stacked the cards may be against you, just don’t quit, never, ever give up the fight. Ron will continue to inspire 🤍

Reading “Fatal Conveniences” by Darin Olien cited an FDA / HHS study, some of the findings are important to note.

The FDA states that only two active ingredients found in sunscreens are “generally recognized as safe and effective”: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide - both natural substances. These sunscreens are considered “Mineral-based”.

On the contrary, “Chemical-based” sunscreens are exactly what they seem, full of chemicals: PABA, dioxybenzone, trolamine salicylate, avobenzene, octocrylene and oxybenzone, etc.

The Matta et al., 2020 study found that after a single application of sunscreen, subjects’ blood concentrations of oxybenzone were more than 180x the FDA’s level of concern and continued to rise to more than 500x the FDA’s own safety threshold after four days of recommended use per the label.

High levels of oxybenzone in the blood found in adolescent boys resulted in significantly lower testosterone levels. This chemical has been associated with shorter pregnancies, lower birth rates, increased risk for developing breast cancer and endometriosis. And because the chemical has “anti-inflammatory” properties, it may actually hide symptoms associated with a sunburn.

This chemical isn’t just bad for your body, but it isn’t reef safe or environmentally friendly. As such, two of these dangerous chemicals have been banned within the state of and the city of Key West, FL.

Mineral-based sunscreen may be more difficult to rub in, as it creates a physical, protective barrier for the skin. This physical barrier absorbs sunlight before it reaches the skin, which is why it is thicker and may be a little more difficult to apply (but, it is worth it).

☀️ Visit www.protekt.com and use the code HUNTERSEVEN25 to save on mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreen while protecting your skin! ☀️

Erlend Gray is a 42-year-old father of two, special operations veteran, Antarctic explorer, and eternal optimist. In February 2023, his doctors gave him 12 months to live as the available treatments in Norway were no longer stopping the spread of his malignant

With a lifetime of experience overcoming challenges in ominous situations, Erlend did what comes naturally—he kept going. His Norwegian medical team told him the FDA recently approved a new treatment in the United States, and it is his last hope for overcoming cancer. Erlend and a close team of family and former teammates are working to get him access to this lifesaving treatment in the U.S.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy is a new cellular immunotherapy offered only at a few U.S. hospitals, one being in Boston. Like many new medical treatments, the groundbreaking treatment is cost-prohibitive. Out-of-pocket expenses are estimated to exceed $500,000 for the drug Lifileucel and his care at DFCI. For Erlend and his family, time is of the essence.

As a father of a 1- and 3-year-old, Erlend is a family man and someone who enjoys life. When he learned he had 12 months to live, the Operator from Norway’s MJK and the South Pole explorer aimed to turn a hopeless situation into something solvable. Together, we can help Erlend recover from cancer so he can continue living and caring for his family.

In partnership with Tomahawk Strategic Solutions, 100% of these contributions will go to Erlend via the HunterSeven Foundation (501c3). And 100% of your donation is tax-deductible. Any proceeds that exceed Erlend’s medical expenses will stay with HunterSeven as the Foundation continues to advocate for veterans and the cancer epidemic impacting the community.

🇺🇸🇳🇴 Erlend, we are always beside you!

▶️ www.HunterSeven.org/Erlend

Big shout out to Jenn Brooks of Global SOF Foundation for sharing this unique capability for FREE, early cancer screening and detection available for military veterans currently enrolled in select VA Healthcare Centers under the REFLECTION Study in partnership with GRAIL.

The REFLECTION Study is a multi-center, prospective, non-interventional, cohort study that will enroll approximately 17,000 individuals who have opted to be screened with Galleri, a blood-based, multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test in routine clinical settings.

While we at HunterSeven Foundation cover as many cancer test as financially possible, the running rate for this test is $950. We suggest those veterans local to the VA Medical Centers below check it out and request FREE testing.

➡ Requirements:
- VA Enrollment at one of the designated locations below.
- At least 22 years or older.

➡ Recruiting Locations & Points of Contact:
- James A. Haley VAMC (Tampa, FL) - Adam Zoble, (813) 972-2000 ext. 6939
- Miami VAHSC (Miami, FL) - Lisa Hue, (305) 575-7292
- Southeast Louisana VAHSC (New Orleans, LA) - Kristen Lingle, (504) 507-2000 ext. 63454
- Pittsburgh VAHSC (Pittsburgh, PA) - Karen Smith, (412) 360-2410
- Wilkes-Barre VAMC (Wilkes-Barre, PA) - Jennifer D'Angelo, (570) 824-3521
- Salt Lake City VAHSC (Salt Lake City, UT) - Ann Worthen, (801) 582-1565 ext. 4640

➡ Future Recruiting Site:
- Boston VA Research Center (Boston, MA) - Charlene Preys, (617) 777-9441

To request a test and enroll at the Tampa VA specifically, you can click here: www.app.10to8.com/book/grail-consult/

For other locations, scheduling and more in depth information, check out the study site: https://JoinReflectionStudy.com

To learn about the Galleri test and the fifty types of cancers the blood test can potentially identify, check out this handout:https://gsof.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Galleri-x-HunterSeven.pdf

Life places tremendous pressure on us—for some, more than others. So often, those who do the most for others ask for the least in return. Lee was one of those guys. He enlisted on his 19th birthday to serve our nation. He passed away just weeks shy of twenty years in service, with most of his time spent in Special Operations, first as an infantryman in the Ranger Regiment and then in the Special Missions Unit at Ft. Bragg.

Lee distinguished himself within those units, earning valorous awards for service achieved through many deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and other nations that remain unnamed. His life was dedicated to the service of others.

But like the rest of us, Lee wasn't perfect. The weight of nearly twenty years in tier-one units during the Global War on Terror impacted Lee. It is one thing to "suffer in the suck" with your team by your side, as you each act as a protective shield to each other. But alone, when you are in pain, whether it be mentally, emotionally, physically, or morally, the weight becomes too much to bear.

SGM Lee Vampola passed away on February 15th, 2024; he was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a loyal Patriot.

His family requests that donations be made to CxC Foundation. This nonprofit organization uses all proceeds to treat injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress, and depression and to prevent su***de in special operators.

https://cxcfoundation.org/donate/

Excellent (and very relevant) review article published months ago explores the significant impact of toxic metal accumulation within the body and its relation to colorectal cancer.

Metals such as lead, chromium, cadmium, aluminum, copper, arsenic, and mercury are prevalent in various environments to include the military industry and local deployment pollution. These metals accumulate in the human body, leading to potential serious health issues including - Key findings include:

▪️Exposure to toxic metals disrupt cellular processes, induce oxidative stress, and damage DNA, which can contribute to the development and progression of cancer.

▪️The accumulation of these metals can alter key biological processes such as cell death, proliferation (cell growth), and DNA repair mechanisms, exacerbating cancer progression.

▪️Emphasis needs to be placed for more research to understand the complex interactions between metals and colon cancer fully.

Understanding these connections is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies and therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing the burden of heavy metal toxicity, chronic (long-term) exposures and risk reduction/early identification. Remember, don’t eat or drink at the range, wash your hands, clothes, with D-Lead type soaps and room temp. water. Small actions to minimize exposures to adds up over time, especially for those who serve in the

Learn more about risk mitigation here: www.HunterSeven.org/metals

Read the full publication: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969723062940

Dr. Matt Hickey, MD, USN CAPT (Ret.), passed away on Tuesday, April 2nd, at 59 years old, following a fierce battle with pancreatic cancer that he fought with unwavering courage.

Matt graduated from the USNA in 1986, following commissioning, he received orders to BUD/S training - graduating Class 141, earning his SEAL trident.

Matt spent the next 8 years as a Naval Special Warfare Officer, serving tours at ST1, ST8 and the Naval Academy in which he would deploy numerous times overseas. In 1995, Matt transitioned to the Navy Medical Corps, earning his doctoral degree.

As a Navy physician, he served tours at NSWG-4), the CSTC-Afghanistan, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, NSWDG, and as the Commander of Submarine Force Atlantic.

Upon Navy retirement in June of 2017, Matt continued his service to the country as an occupational medicine specialist in Norfolk. Concurrently, he became a co-owner of a medical practice - Neuroenhancement & Cognitive Optimization Associates (NEUCOA), to help veterans with TBI and PTSD, and worked closely with the Doc who championed the Stellate Ganglion Block, fellow SEAL, Dr. Sean Mulvaney.

Matt served on the American Board of Preventive Medicine, and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Navy SEAL Foundation. Matt leaves behind a wife and four daughters, along with one everlasting legacy of care and compassion for his fellow SEALs and patients.

⭐️ Gold Star Spouse Day

Reposted from

“Public Service Announcement:

Today, I wore my service dress uniform for the first time with a shiny new star lapel pin ⭐️

Many people asked me what it was, because they had never seen one before.

It is the “Next of Kin Lapel Pin” - given to immediate family members in honor of their loved one who died while serving on active duty in the U.S. military.

If the next of kin is also in the military, they are authorized to the wear the pin on service dress and dinner dress uniforms.

Arguably, it is the one thing in this picture I didn’t “earn” but was rather assigned to me by fate. It is profoundly sad, as it publicly marks me as a widow, but it is another way I will continue to outwardly honor and remember Dan.

So… please do ask me about my pin.

I would love to tell you about him - about the 17 years of his life spent in service to his country, but more so about how he was an amazing husband and father 💔”

—————————

LCDR Dan Kearney Jr. served his country for seventeen years, accumulating nearly 3,000 flight hours, mostly in the MH-65, the Coast Guards Search and Rescue helicopter.

Fifteen of those years was spent with his wife, fellow Aviator, CMDR Caroline Kearney, whose dress uniform is pictured above.

Dan was diagnosed at 39 years old with a rare form of bile duct cancer, choloangiocarcinoma. An extremely rare cancer, uncommonly seen in those younger than 70. For months, Dan fought cancer, and proudly continued forward in service with his wife and children by his side.

Five months after his diagnosis, Dan passed away - August 28, 2023.

stated it perfectly, surviving spouses, families, our thoughts and prayers are with you today, but also the other 364 days of the year.