COLUMBIA, SC – Hidden Wounds successfully completed its first year of operations on Jan 1. Under the direction of Anna Bigham, founder and executive director and Chris Younts, co-founder and chief financial officer, and through the efforts of a core group of volunteers, Hidden Wounds was able to
assist 68 veterans, more than one per week.

“The greatest weapon we have is the ability to help each other and our first year has been a time of hard work and significant growth,” said Anna Bigham, founder and CEO.

This growth was only possible through a critical partnership with Give an Hour and donations from 414 private donors totaling $45,727. Hidden Wounds was also able to assist with the benefits counseling of approximately 50 veterans at the Midlands Transitional Retreat Center in Lexington.

“It is a privilege to honor the many who have served our nation,” said Anna. “We were truly blessed to have tremendous support from the community during our first year. It is our hope that this support continues to grow as we strive to serve more veterans in the coming year.”

Hidden Wounds has established a well-rounded Board of Directors to help guide their mission in the coming year and distant future. Board of Directors members are as follows: Anna Bigham, Chris Younts, Dylan W. Goff, Barbara Livingston, Capt. Charlie Hall, Kim Milano, Thad Viers, Roxanne Wilson, Col. Steven Shugart and Bill Dukes.

According to the latest numbers available from the Veteran’s Administration (2008), there are over 408,000 veterans in South Carolina. Of the 1,049,540 service members currently serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom, 18,000 are from South Carolina. Hidden Wounds
successes in its first year are just the beginning of an on-going critical mission.

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Hidden Wounds is a non-profit 501(c)(3),founded in January 2010 by Anna Bigham. The organization’s mission is to help heroes battle the invisible war at home through providing immediate and emergency psychological treatment for veterans and military personnel suffering from PTSD, TBI, and other psychological post war challenges.(www.hiddenwounds.org)

COLUMBIA, SC – Several Fatz Café locations across the state are hosting a pancake breakfast fundraiser on November 13, the Saturday following Veteran’s Day. Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit Columbia based non-profit Hidden Wounds and the immediate psychological injury treatments for veterans and military personnel in need. In September alone, the organization funded the counseling needs of 30 veterans.

Last year, the event was held at the Forest Drive location in Columbia and raised $4,269.45 with the help of numerous volunteers and supporters.

This year participating locations include Columbia (Forest Dr.), North Charleston, Seneca and Conway. The services Hidden Wounds provides extend past the City of Columbia so it is important to raise awareness statewide. Fatz Café’s regional management team has provided Hidden Wounds with an
opportunity to do so.

The breakfast will be from 7-10 a.m. and will include pancakes, fresh fruit, beverage and a side item. Tickets may be purchased in advance at participating Fatz Café locations or by calling Hidden Wounds at (803)403-8460. They may also be purchased on the day of the breakfast at the door. Hidden Wounds representatives will be present at each location to answer questions.

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Hidden Wounds is a non-profit 501(c)(3), founded in January 2010 by Anna Bigham. The organization’s mission is to help heroes battle the invisible war at home through providing immediate and emergency psychological treatment for veterans and military personnel suffering from PTSD, TBI, and other psychological post war challenges. (www.hiddenwounds.org)