Bob Woodruff Foundation

Fifteen years ago, the Woodruffs seemed to have it all. But when Bob’s armored vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq, life changed in an instant. Bob was reporting on the transfer of power between U.S. and Iraqi security forces for ABC’s “World News Tonight,” Jan. 29, 2006, when he sustained his life-threatening traumatic brain injury. Lee was on vacation with their children when she received the call — and was soon thrust into the role of caregiver. Thanks to the quick actions of brave soldiers, medics, and military medical professionals, Bob’s life was saved. Within a few days, he was brought to the Naval Hospital at Bethesda, Md. There, Bob spent 36 days in a medically-induced coma, and Lee got to know the families of service members dealing with the impact of hidden injuries such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression. As Bob recovered, the experience inspired their family to do one thing: Ensure that our nation’s impacted veterans, service members, and their families have access to the highest level of support and resources they deserve, for as long as they need it. That wish became our mission. Today the Bob Woodruff Foundation complements the work of our government, ensuring that our veterans are thriving long after they return home.