---
title: "How a Special Forces veteran with cancer finally got this photo with Chris Pratt"
description: "Chris Cathers launched Brothers Keeper Veterans Foundation to fight suicide among veterans after his own struggles."
section: veterans-in-hollywood
published: 2026-10-28T12:31:39.485897+00:00
canonical: https://valorandventures.media/article/9aade847-e0bd-4bb4-b55a-f4500a474e1c
publisher: "Valor & Ventures Media"
source: "Task & Purpose"
source_url: https://taskandpurpose.com/culture/cancer-selfie-chris-pratt/
access: free
---

# How a Special Forces veteran with cancer finally got this photo with Chris Pratt

*Chris Cathers launched Brothers Keeper Veterans Foundation to fight suicide among veterans after his own struggles.*

## Executive Summary

Special Forces veteran Chris Cathers, who has been navigating a battle with cancer, established the Brothers Keeper Veterans Foundation to confront the persistent challenge of veteran suicide, according to a report by Task & Purpose. The outlet highlighted Cathers' ongoing advocacy alongside a personal milestone: successfully connecting for a photograph with Hollywood actor Chris Pratt. The encounter brought renewed visibility to Cathers' mission and his broader work within the post-service community. The genesis of the Brothers Keeper Veterans Foundation was shaped directly by Cathers' personal hardships following his military service, the outlet reports. After working through his own post-uniform difficulties, Cathers channeled his experiences into establishing a dedicated non-profit vehicle designed to assist other former service members facing mental health crises. The initiative reflects an ongoing effort to provide peer-driven support networks capable of intervening before personal struggles culminate in tragedy. Cathers' initiative comes amid a broader national conversation regarding the adequacy of reintegration resources for returning service personnel. Peer-led organizations founded by veterans, particularly those from the special operations community, frequently seek to establish direct, relatable avenues of assistance that complement existing government programs. By focusing on suicide prevention, foundations of this nature emphasize proactive engagement and community cohesion to counter the isolation that often accompanies the transition back to civilian life. The public interest surrounding Cathers' interaction with Pratt also underscores the role that cultural figures and national visibility play in amplifying grassroots veteran initiatives. For advocates balancing serious medical treatments with non-profit stewardship, public engagement offers a powerful mechanism to draw attention to critical post-service issues. The report illustrates how individual determination can bridge grassroots community organizing and high-profile public awareness to elevate urgent veteran health priorities. For executives, veteran founders, and civic leaders within the Valor & Ventures community, Cathers' story highlights the enduring impact of purpose-driven leadership under severe personal adversity. The continued necessity of grassroots intervention in veteran wellness presents clear avenues for organizational partnership, philanthropic investment, and corporate social responsibility. Observing how service members translate tactical resilience into durable civic institutions remains vital for leaders committed to supporting the post-service transition.

## Article

Chris Cathers launched Brothers Keeper Veterans Foundation to fight suicide among veterans after his own struggles.
— Task & Purpose
Read the full report: https://taskandpurpose.com/culture/cancer-selfie-chris-pratt/

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Originally published by Task & Purpose: https://taskandpurpose.com/culture/cancer-selfie-chris-pratt/