How the HunterSeven Foundation Is Leading the Fight Against Cancer in the Military Community
A GOVX exclusive with Chelsey Simoni, HunterSeven Foundation Chief Health Officer
Chelsey Simoni HunterSeven Foundation Chief Health Officer
For many service members, leaving the military doesn’t mean the mission is over. It simply means that the objectives have changed. For Chelsey Simoni, co-founder and Chief Health Officer of the veteran-led 501(c)(3) non-profit HunterSeven Foundation, her mission began after an unexpected medical separation from the Army and a conversation that changed the trajectory of her future.
After serving nearly nine years in the military, Chelsey suffered a spinal injury that ultimately ended her military career.
“I fought to stay in,” she said. “These people were my family. I didn’t know what I was going to do next.”
Fate, as it would seem, would provide a new path.
While transitioning into civilian life, she enrolled in nursing school and began searching for a way to continue serving. That opportunity came after learning about the experiences of her husband, Kyle, an Army veteran who deployed to Iraq, and the many service members he knew who were no longer with us.
Ultimately, what surprised her most wasn’t the number of veterans lost during combat, it was the ones who were dying shortly after thereafter.
“Kyle told me that a lot of his teammates had died after service,” she recalled. “I assumed it was suicide, but he confirmed that many of them were dying from cancer.”
Among those veterans was Kyle’s former Sergeant Major, Rob Bowman, whose call sign during his first deployment was HUNTER7. Bowman was diagnosed with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer of the bile duct, and passed away in 2013 at just 44 years old. His loss became the inspiration behind the HunterSeven Foundation.
“I wanted to understand why these young, otherwise healthy people were getting cancer,” she said. “I was looking for a way to
continue serving.”
FROM RESEARCH PROJECT TO NATIONAL VETERAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION
What started as a desire to better understand veteran cancer risk quickly grew into something much larger.
While completing her nursing education, Chelsey began conducting research focused on Iraq War veterans, examining health symptoms before, during, and after deployment. The research became internationally published and highlighted gaps in how veteran health concerns were understood outside the military healthcare system.
Chelsey soon realized another challenge: many veterans were transitioning into civilian healthcare systems where providers often were in the dark regarding their service.
“Only a portion of post-9/11 veterans utilize the VA,” she explained. “A lot of veterans are receiving care in civilian hospitals and clinics, but veteran status isn’t always identified. That means providers may miss important exposure histories and health risks.”
The HunterSeven Foundation evolved from a research organization into a broader mission focused on three key areas:
Research: Studying veteran health risks and cancer trends.
Education: Helping healthcare providers and veterans better understand service-related health concerns.
Cancer Screening and Immediate Support: Providing access to advanced screening, care navigation, and resources.
Since officially becoming a non-profit in December 2020, the HunterSeven Foundation has supported thousands of veterans affected by cancer and screened thousands more for early warning signs.
“Our goal is to identify cancer early, because early detection saves lives,” Simoni said.
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DETECTION
One of the biggest challenges veterans face is recognizing when something isn’t right — and knowing when to push for answers. Chelsey shared that many symptoms' veterans experience can appear harmless at first glance but may deserve more attention, such as acid reflux.
“Acid reflux is one of the most common symptoms we see in post-9/11 veterans,” she said.
While reflux can have many causes, Chelsey explained that certain infections and gastrointestinal issues can sometimes go undetected. Her message to veterans is simple: don’t ignore persistent symptoms.
“Be your own best advocate,” she said. “Nobody is going to look after you the way you look after yourself.”
The same principle applies to cancer screenings. Chelsey relayed the story of a veteran screened through the HunterSeven Foundation whose results showed concerning markers. After additional testing and coordination with his healthcare provider, he was able to receive follow-up care.
“We’re with people every step of the way,” she said. “We can help coordinate care, connect them with providers, assist with second opinions, and help them navigate the process.”
SERVING VETERANS AFTER THEIR SERVICE ENDS
One of the biggest misconceptions about veteran health is that the risks end when someone leaves active duty. While active-duty service members receive regular medical oversight, many veterans lose that built-in accountability once they transition back to civilian life.
“When you’re active duty, your health is monitored constantly,” Simoni said. “When you leave, nobody is telling you to go get checked. You have to take that initiative.”
That’s why the HunterSeven Foundation works hard to reach veterans wherever they are — from military communities and veteran events to outdoor industries, conventions, and even online communities.
The goal is simple: make healthcare access easier and reach veterans who may otherwise fall through the cracks.
HOW THE GOVX COMMUNITY CAN HELP
Chelsey emphasized that supporting veterans starts with taking care of yourself.
“If you love your family, if you love the people around you, please take care of yourself,” she said.
HOW THE GOVX COMMUNITY CAN HELP
Prioritizing their own health and scheduling
regular screenings
Support cancer screening efforts
through donations
Sharing information about the HunterSeven Foundation with fellow veterans and service members
Connecting with organizations interested in supporting
veteran health
“Small things make a massive difference,” she added. “A donation, a connection, or simply sharing our mission can help us reach
more veterans.”
The HunterSeven Foundation’s mission is built on honoring the legacy of those who served — and making sure future generations of veterans have the resources, support, and healthcare access they deserve.