Tattoos have become an essential way for those in the military, law enforcement and first responder communities to celebrate and commemorate their service. EVERENCE is going taking that idea to a whole new level. The name itself is a portmanteau of the words Forever and Reverence. Both of those concepts describe why people get tattoos, but EVERENCE is a patented technology by Endeavor Life Sciences that allows you to add DNA from a loved one into any new or existing tattoo.
EVERENCE was created after Patrick Duffy saw a commemorative tattoo on the leg of the widow of a fallen SEAL while SCUBA diving in Key Largo, Florida. There, he and his father run a therapeutic diving program for Veterans. Duffy looked at the tattoo considered how to add something even more significant and that’s when he came up with DNA. After a lot of research, Endeavor Life Sciences was born.
I’m told the process is simple. The collection is as easy as taking a cheek swab. The DNA is then synthesized and encapsulated in what looks like a powdery substance. It is actually a medical grade polymer called PMMA, often used in medical applications. The PMMA contains the DNA sample. The vial of Everence can be brought to any tattoo artist and added to the ink. This is significant because it means you can go to any artist you choose.
It’s harmless and completely individualized. Because it’s a powder, you can take it to any artist. They add it to the ink, prior to tattooing. Here, Retired SEAL Stephen “Turbo” Toboz talks about his experience.
Once you start thinking about it, you can do almost anything. Imagine a tattoo of your family with their DNA. It’s like having them with you always. Likewise, a unit tattoo can be customized with DNA from fellow teammembers. It could even be the DNA from a beloved pet.
But that’s not all. The EVERENCE powder could be added to many processes or left in a vial. It could become a keychain or placed in the handle of a knife. In fact, I imagine specialty vendors creating new applications.
While I see it as very complimentary to military tattoos commemorating friends, family and service, anyone could incorporate EVERENCE into tattoos and other applications, and I hope they do. It’s a fine way to honor those who mean so much to us.
