“When we ensure that those who served have the tools and support they need to heal, we demonstrate the values that make our country stronger,” explains Jordan, a co-owner of Charlottesville Hyperbarics. Charlottesville Hyperbarics has been awarded Gratitude’s Friend of Freedom Award for their “Gratitude Project”, a program designed to treat traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), filling a critical need in the Veteran and First Responder community.
“At its core, Project Gratitude is about healing. It is not just about managing symptoms but about addressing the root causes of these invisible wounds so individuals can reconnect with themselves, their loved ones, and their sense of purpose.” Through therapies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy, R.E.S.T., photobiomodulation, massage, and peer support, they help individuals rebuild their ability to manage stress, process emotions, and reconnect with the people and communities they love.
Jordan is a combat Veteran himself. “My service shaped who I am, but it also left me with traumatic brain injuries that impacted every part of my life. For years, I struggled with pain, sleepless nights, and the inability to truly connect with my family and friends. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was the treatment that sharpened my tools, allowed me to begin healing, and helped me find presence and hope for the future with my loved ones. That experience inspired me to share this opportunity with others.”
Jesse Presson, the firm’s program director, is a combat Veteran and a Project Gratitude alumnus. “Project Gratitude is more than a set of treatments. It is about helping people reclaim their lives. We believe that when one person heals, entire families and communities grow stronger. This belief is at the core of everything we do.” After completing the program and experiencing his own recovery, he joined our team to help other Veterans navigate their healing journeys. His leadership and lived experience are “a constant reminder of why we do this work.”
In addition, Jordan’s other partner, Ted O’Neill, brings a unique perspective. As a pharmacist, he understands the importance of medication but is equally passionate about solutions that address the root causes of injury rather than masking symptoms. He believes in the power of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to promote true healing and transformation. “Once the brain begins to recover, deeper healing becomes possible,” explains Ted. “Healing begins within, but it extends outward. When a Veteran starts to heal, their relationships strengthen, their families grow closer, and their presence positively impacts their community.”
Project Gratitude uses therapies that help the brain heal and restore its capacity to function. Veterans frequently tell them they experience real change, including improved sleep, less anxiety, clearer thinking, and a renewed sense of calm. They talk about being present with their families again and reconnecting with the people who matter most.
“What I want Veterans to know is that as a population we have grown used to struggling with our PTSD and TBI symptoms. We are often conditioned to manage those symptoms with medication, but that approach can leave us feeling stuck and hopeless because it does not lead to real change or improvement,” said Kristian. “At its core, Project Gratitude is about healing. It is not just about managing symptoms, but about addressing the root causes of these invisible wounds so individuals can reconnect with themselves, their loved ones, and their sense of purpose.”
“If you are tired of just managing the struggle, I encourage you to explore what healing could look like. There is a path forward, and it could make all the difference.”
Each quarter, “The Freedom Fund” Board of Directors will choose a FOF award winner to be featured on Gratitudecville.com. To nominate person or organization that promotes and protects freedom in our community, email us at info@gratitudecville.com.
