Project Life Spark was founded on a single, urgent mission: to end the epidemic of suicide among military veterans and first responders.
We execute this mission by providing wellness funding for vital, evidence-based PTSD treatments, including safe and clinically guided psychedelic-assisted therapy. Through strategic partnerships, rigorous advocacy, and a commitment to advancing research, we are creating a new path forward for Canada's heroes.
VISION
We see a world where our veterans and first responders are provided access to cutting edge healthcare options to heal from the mental wounds of their service.
VALUES
Our values are forged from the common ethos of service that defines Canada's heroes. They are the principles learned through rigorous training, shared sacrifice, and a profound commitment to a purpose greater than oneself—characteristics inherent to every military veteran and first responder.
COMPASSION
We've walked a similar path, understanding the challenges of healing from trauma's impact on the mind and body.
PERSERVERANCE
We are defined by our perseverance. We confront every challenge, both internal and external, with a relentless drive to move forward. We are never out of the fight.
ACCOUNTABILITY
INTEGRITY
We're committed to saving and improving lives, inspired by the kindness of our supporters.
We share a deep-rooted respect for integrity, strength, and commitment with the veterans and first responders we serve.
PROGRESSIVE
We will have a forward thinking mindset, always looking to that next objective, and will not settle for status quo.
HOW DOES HEALING HAPPEN?
Psychedelics help individuals heal from PTSD by promoting neuroplasticity and reducing fear responses, enabling the brain to "rewire" trauma-related thought patterns. They facilitate emotional processing by allowing access to suppressed memories and altering perspectives on trauma, often fostering empathy and self-compassion. Used in guided therapeutic settings, psychedelics enhance the effectiveness of psychotherapy by creating a sense of safety and openness, allowing individuals to confront and integrate their experiences. Many also report profound spiritual or existential insights, which can instill a renewed sense of purpose and connection, contributing to lasting healing. While not a "cure," psychedelic therapy is a highly effective and immediate form of treatment, complementing or exceeding conventional methods in addressing PTSD symptoms.
OUR STORY
Jeremy Hudec joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 2005. During his service, he began experiencing a range of challenges, including depression, isolation, insomnia, emotional numbness, avoidance behaviors, negative self-perceptions, hyper-arousal, and heightened reactivity. In 2010, he was formally diagnosed with PTSD and referred to a local clinic specializing in treating military veterans and RCMP members. Jeremy received regular treatment for the next five years and resumed treatment again in 2022.
"I felt like I tried every method of therapy that had been asked of me and took numerous different medications that were prescribed, but I never really felt 'better'. I couldn't seem to get past many challenges, and I just accepted that maybe it was as good as it was going to be - further improvement or feeling 'normal' were unattainable notions. I had exhausted all avenues possible to achieve this."
- JEREMY HUDEC
THEN, THERE WAS 'HOPE'.....
The first glimmer of a new path appeared unexpectedly. While listening to a five-hour episode of the Shawn Ryan Show podcast, a brief, almost-missed sidebar conversation between the host and a guest caught Jeremy’s attention.
They weren't discussing scientific data, but something far more resonant: their own healing. They spoke of no longer needing to drink, and of being more present and engaged with their families.
That seed of hope didn't sprout immediately, but it lingered. After a few days, compelled by the thought that there might be another way, Jeremy went back to find the clip. He then took the crucial step of reaching out to the host directly. In a pivotal moment, the host graciously replied, providing the names of the two medicines at the heart of the treatment—Ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT. They were terms Jeremy had never encountered before, but they would go on to change everything.
Intrigued, Jeremy began researching these treatments further and discussing the possibilities with his loved ones. For the first time in a long while, he felt a powerful sense of hope—a feeling that compelled him to take a chance on this unconventional path.
Jeremy traveled to Mexico for the treatment, and the results were transformative. Immediately after the sessions, he felt lighter than he had in nearly 20 years. The weight of trauma, sadness, anger, self-doubt, judgement, and bitterness seemed to lift entirely. He seemed to find a new sense of purpose, and felt more connected to a higher power than ever before, and felt a renewed sense of self-worth that he hadn't felt in decades. Remarkably, the tools he had long used to simply function were no longer necessary. The reliance on cannabis to quiet his mind for sleep, or a drink to relax enough to be social, had vanished. He was free from the constant effort of coping.
FILLED WITH RESOLVE
After returning from his retreat, Jeremy and his wife knew they wanted to help others experience the same profound healing he had. To pay it forward, they sponsored a veteran to attend a retreat, but the question kept arising: “How can we stop at just one?” The truth was.....they couldn't.
It also became painfully evident how few charitable options existed for Canadian veterans and first responders compared to their American counterparts. Determined to bridge this gap, Jeremy envisioned a way to fund retreats for Canadian veterans and first responders struggling with PTSD, advocate for the legalization and responsible use of psychedelics, and raise awareness about the importance of mental health.
From this resolve, Project Life Spark was born.
OUR TEAM
FOUNDERS
Jeremy & Laura Hudec
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jeremy Hudec
CEO / Chair of the Board
Jeremy Hudec is a medically retired RCMP member who served proudly for 10 years. Affected by PTSD since 2006, he spent nearly 18 years exploring conventional treatments—including EMDR, CBT, CPT, exposure therapy, group therapy, and various medications—without lasting success. In 2024, he underwent transformative therapy with ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT, which changed his life. Inspired by this experience, Jeremy and his wife founded Project Life Spark. He currently works as an Aviation Advisor at Suncor Energy.
Jim Parker
Board Member
Jim Parker is the founder of Bloom Psychedelic Therapy and Research Institute and the sponsor of the University of Calgary Psychedelic Research Chair. Jim funds his philanthropic efforts with proceeds from his trading activity and his other business, Kayak Capital Management. Jim has a BA and MA in Economics and 30 years of experience trading and managing groups of traders.
Gordon Hurley
Board Member
Gordon Hurley served nearly fifteen years in the Canadian Armed Forces, half as an Airborne Light Infantry Reconnaissance Patrolman and the other half in special operations as an Operator and Special Operations Joint Terminal Attack Controller. He deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Africa with extensive global training. Medically released in 2021, he earned a Graphic and Communication Design diploma from NBCC, graduating in spring 2024. Gordon co-owns All The Way Factory Inc., a media and apparel company, with his wife. He is the mental health representative on the board of the Canadian Special Operations Regiment Association and Head of Engagement for Heroic Hearts Canada, advocating for veteran access to psychedelic-assisted therapy. Gordon also plans and executes impactful initiatives that promote awareness and education on veteran health and Canadian military contributions.
Dr. Rakesh Jetly
Board Member
Col (ret’d) Rakesh Jetly is an internationally recognized expert in military and veterans’ mental health, suicide prevention, and PTSD. He retired as Chief of Psychiatry for the Canadian Armed Forces in 2021. He served in Rwanda and the Middle East as a general duty medical officer and flight surgeon, leading him to specialize in psychiatry with a focus on psychological trauma. In 2000, after completing his psychiatry training, Dr. Jetly rejoined the Canadian Armed Forces and played a key role in modernizing the military mental health system. He led the mental health team in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and was responsible for the clinical care provided by more than 400 mental health professionals. Dr. Jetly also chaired NATO expert panels on various mental health topics. Dr. Jetly has maintained academic appointments at both Dalhousie University and the University of Ottawa. He has authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on subjects such as suicide prevention and PTSD. He was the inaugural “Canadian Forces Brigadier Jonathan C Meakins Chair in Military Mental Health” and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Since retiring, Dr. Jetly has continued to contribute to health and wellbeing as the Chief Medical Officer of Mydecine Innovations Group and an advisor with the United Nations on a Mental Health Strategy for Uniformed Peacekeepers.
David Wood
Board Member
David Wood, Ph.D. is a lawyer and patent agent, dividing his time between an inhouse position as General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer at Psygen Industries Ltd., and his private legal practice, R-Group Legal. Psygen is a contract development and manufacturing organization focused on GMP manufacture of indolealkylamines, phenalkylamines and ergolines. Psygen is a licensed dealer authorized to manufacture LSD, MDMA, psilocybin, psilocin, DMT, 2-CB and mescaline. In both his inhouse role and through R-Group Legal, David provides intellectual property, regulatory and commercial advice. In addition to other clients in psychedelics and cannabis, R-Group Legal provides pro bono support to TheraPsil, a non-profit supporting patients and physicians in accessing psilocybin and advocating for psilocybin access. David holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan. He is a member of the Law Society of Alberta.
OUR PARTNERS
Strategy without execution is just an idea. At Project Life Spark, our partnerships are central to our execution model. We have forged deep relationships with world-leading clinical organizations to ensure our heroes receive the safest, most effective, and most compassionate care possible. We are proud to collaborate with the following leaders in therapeutic wellness:
A world-class clinical leader providing advanced psychedelic therapies, including Ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT, with a specialized focus on the unique needs of the combat veteran and first responder communities. Their entire program is tailored to those who have served. Our founder, Jeremy Hudec, is a graduate of The Mission Within, and his profound healing experience serves as the ultimate testament to their expertise and compassionate care.
A world-renowned clinical leader in providing advanced psychedelic-assisted therapies, including Ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT. Co-founded by Canadian leader Trevor Millar, Ambio's commitment to clinical excellence and patient safety is globally recognized. Our partnership with Ambio provides our heroes with access to another of the world's premier treatment destinations, ensuring we can offer the best possible options for their unique healing journey.