Founded in 2004 by Donna Cranston while her son Matt was deployed to Iraq, Defenders of Freedom began as a grassroots effort—sending care packages to troops overseas. As the needs of returning service members became more visible, our mission expanded to provide emergency financial assistance to wounded Veterans caught in the delays of the benefits system.
Over time, we discovered that behind many of these financial struggles were deeper, invisible wounds—most commonly, untreated traumatic brain injury (TBI).
TBI is the signature injury of post-9/11 Veterans, yet many have never received effective treatment. Defenders of Freedom has stepped into this critical gap, funding cutting-edge, individualized brain treatment for over 300 Veterans. The 10-day program is built around in-depth diagnostics, including bloodwork and neurological testing, allowing for personalized care that produces real, measurable results.
Veterans experience significant reductions in medications, depression, anxiety, and brain fog—replaced with improved clarity, energy, and renewed hope for the future.
The cost of treatment is $15,000 per Veteran. Every dollar raised this North Texas Giving Day will go directly toward funding brain treatment.
Today, more than 200 Veterans are on our waiting list. Your gift can help move them from surviving to thriving. You’re not just funding treatment—you’re giving someone their life back.
Funding Brain Treatment
Funding Morale-Building Programs
Defenders of Freedom provides donors with the organization they need to support post 9/11 Veterans in their transition to civilian life through emergency financial assistance, morale-building programs, and traumatic brain injury treatment.
Organization name
Defenders of Freedom
Causes
Veterans
Operating Budget
$250,000 - $499,999
Counties Served
Johnson, Wise, Tarrant, Somervell, Rockwall, Parker, Palo Pinto, Navarro, Montague, Kaufman, Hunt, Hood, Grayson, Fannin, Erath, Ellis, Denton, Dallas, Cooke, Collin
Address
320 S Hwy 121, Suite 208