Acknowledgments
In addition, I must thank my tireless critique partners, Jennifer Lohman and Yvonne Harris. Talk about unsung heroes. They read my manuscripts almost as many times as I do.
Eternal gratitude to my agent, Stephany Evans. Without her repeated acts of faith, her persistence and encouragement, you wouldn't be holding this book in your hands. Although I'm sure there were times she wanted to snatch me bald, the fact that she didn't is proof that she is as kind and forgiving as she is indefatigable.
Speaking of snatching me bald, my editor, Deb Werksman, also exhibited massive self-restraint and, as always, could put her finger on exactly what revisions were needed.
Finally, about hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT. The treatment is real. And yes, though the one JJ con tacts is fictional, a hyperbaric treatment center operated by former SEALs exists. Although there are individual case studies of people with TBI and stroke who have improved with HBOT, they cannot be considered clini cal proof. Clinical trials of HBOT and TBI are being conducted, but as of this writing, neither effectiveness nor ineffectiveness has been proved. Health insur ance is unlikely to pay for HBOT, and the Department of Defense's position is that it is ethical to withhold HBOT—meaning at present, it is not offered to veterans as a treatment option.