FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About the Foundation, Bob and Lee Woodruff, and TBI

I am interested in having Bob or Lee Woodruff speak at an event for my company or organization. How can I contact them?

Speaking engagements for Bob and Lee are arranged through the Washington Speaker's Bureau. Contact Keith Lambert at (703) 684-0555 or KeithL@washingtonspeakers.com.

What is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

According to the National Institutes of Health, traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain. They include headache, confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision or tired eyes, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth, fatigue or lethargy, a change in sleep patterns, behavioral or mood changes, and trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking. Moderate or severe TBI can include vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures, an inability to awaken from sleep, dilation of eyes, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, loss of coordination, and increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.

What is Combat Stress?

According to Wikipedia, Combat stress reaction, in the past commonly known as shell shock or battle fatigue, is a military term used to categorize a range of behaviors resulting from the stress of battle which decrease the combatant's fighting efficiency. The most common symptoms are fatigue, slower reaction times, indecision, disconnection from one's surroundings, and inability to prioritize. Combat stress reaction is generally short-term and should not be confused with acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other long-term disorders attributable to combat stress although any of these may commence as a combat stress reaction.

According to a New England Journal of Medicine study in 2004, almost two out of every 10 U.S. troops who have faced combat in Iraq may return with serious symptoms of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares or frightening thoughts – especially when exposed to something reminiscent of the original trauma. Stress symptoms can also include emotional numbness, sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety and irritability or outbursts of anger. Feelings of intense guilt are also common, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health.

Are contributions to the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation tax-deductible?

Yes, contributions from donors are tax-deducible to the fullest extent of the law. The tax-id number is: 26-1441650.

What is Bob Woodruff's relationship with the Foundation?

Bob Woodruff is the spirit behind the Foundation, and his experience guides our efforts. However, in order to maintain his journalistic integrity, Bob Woodruff is not involved in the Foundation's day-to-day activities. A board of volunteers governs the Foundation, with family members, psychologists, physicians, clinicians, and members of the military in support.

What are some of the activities the Foundation is involved in now?
  • We have already begun to collaborate with government agencies and the private sector to develop public awareness and excellence in education, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, support and resources for the injured and their families as they reintegrate to duty or civilian life.
  • We recently brought families affected by TBI and combat stress to Washington, DC to assist in creating and changing Department of Defense and Veteran’s Affairs policies for the non-medical case management of the injured.
  • Foundation personnel have recently appeared before the US House of Representatives Committee on Veteran’s Affairs, Symposium on TBI; to advocate for service members and their families that have been affected by traumatic brain injuries.
How many service members have been injured in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars?

As of August 6, 2007, the Department of Defense said that 28,552 service members have been wounded in action in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).

Click here to make a donation to the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation >>
or mail a check to:
The Bob Woodruff Family Foundation
P.O. Box 955
Bristow, VA 20136

Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Please write checks to "The Bob Woodruff Family Foundation" or "BWFF."

I'm an injured service member or family from OIF/OEF. How do I reach someone in the Department of Defense or Department of Veteran’s Affairs for help?

Contact any of these Department of Defense organizations for help:

How do I get a copy of Bob & Lee's book, "In An Instant"?

"In An Instant: A Family's Journey of Love and Healing" is the frank and compelling account of how Bob and Lee's lives came together, were blown apart, and then were miraculously put together again—and how they persevered, with grit but also with humor, through intense trauma and fear.

It's now available in hardback, paperback and audio CD at Amazon. To buy the book, click here >>

Does the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation have chapters?

No, we do not. The Foundation is a small non-profit organization made up of family members and an all-volunteer Board of Trustees.

How can I raise money for the Foundation?

You can do just about anything: Donations have come from every activity from small lemonade stands to significant corporate donations. We encourage grass roots fundraising efforts of all kinds.

You can click here to make a donation to the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation
or mail a check to:
The Bob Woodruff Family Foundation
P.O. Box 955
Bristow, VA 20136

How is Bob's health?

Bob Woodruff has had a long and miraculous recovery from his wounds, thanks to extraordinary treatment through the Department of Defense as well as state of the art civilian medical treatment facilities. He is back to work as a journalist, working for ABC News and reporting on many topics including the war and its casualties.

Does the Foundation need volunteers?

Thank you for your interest, we welcome your fundraising efforts but we're not currently accepting applications for volunteer or paid staff positions. Stay tuned to the website, as we grow we will make announcements as we have requirements for volunteers.

How can I contact Bob and Lee Woodruff?

Arrangements can be made through the Washington Speakers Bureau. Contact Keith Lambert at (703) 684-0555 or KeithL@washingtonspeakers.com.

Is the Foundation affiliated with ABC News or Disney Corporation?

No. The Bob Woodruff Family Foundation is not affiliated in any way with ABC News or Disney. However, the Woodruffs and the Foundation owe these companies their gratitude for the wonderful care and support they have provided Bob Woodruff during his recovery and the encouragement they gave him to come back to his career as a journalist.

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For more information, or to contact the BWFF email info@bobwoodrufffamilyfund.org