Six Years Later

Today marks six years since my first major concussion on April 28th, 2013. I was 13, in eighth grade, and a year-round athlete. I haven’t had a day without a headache in six years.

I’m vastly better now. I’m 19, a college freshman at Georgetown, and I’m managing well in school and life. I’m studying neurobiology, plan to minor in business, participate in clubs on campus, and have made amazing friends. I have an awesome summer job with a new venture fund to look forward to, and I am consulting for a promising start-up. Six years ago, or even three years ago after another major concussion, I couldn’t have pictured myself here in college thriving. And I couldn’t have done it without the support of so many amazing people.

As I reflect on the past six years, the good and the bad, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. It does take a village. I’m incredibly grateful for my amazing family. I’m so thankful for my mom who has been steadfast through all of this, taken me to hundreds of appointments, encouraged me to pursue other things, and has gone above and beyond from cleaning up barf when I have a bad migraine, to endless research and scheduling to make sure I was seeing the best people, to typing while I dictate when I have a bad headache so I can still turn something in on time. I’m grateful for my dad who although he loves contact sports never pushed me to play again. He has helped me embrace my new role as I fully transitioned from an athlete to a fan and is always ready to chat about the Patriots draft pick or the Bruins playoff chances. I’m grateful for my brother whose sense of humor is uplifting and who is down for a marathon of The Office if I’m not feeling up for much. I’m grateful for my labradoodle who is undoubtedly the best nap buddy and never fails to cheer me up.

I’m so thankful for all of my friends. Thank you for never making me feel left out of anything because of my PCS and for always being there.

I’m also grateful to my doctors at Boston Children’s Hospital, especially Dr. Alex Taylor (who assured me that my IQ was not affected) and Dr. Mike O’Brien, and to Dr. Robert Cantu of Emerson Hospital. I am grateful to Mary Ann Butler and Lenore Herget who are experts in their fields. You have each gone above and beyond for me and always kept this in perspective and kept me positive. I couldn’t be more grateful.

I’m so grateful to The Concussion Legacy Foundation. Chris Nowinski met me as a freshly concussed 15 year old who was about to take a medical leave for school. He appreciated my advocacy work and offered me an internship at CLF that year. Having that support was a lifeline during what could have been a terrible year and Chris’ belief in me made me feel like I wasn’t damaged after my concussion. Everything that Chris has done for the sports community and for every athlete to come is so appreciated; I admire his intensity and commitment so much.  And thank you to Isaiah Kacyvenski and Carmichael Roberts who believed in me and introduced me to Chris.

I’m also grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to share my story on a multitude of platforms: Boston Children’s Hospital events and newsletter, CLF’s platform, Tufts New England Medical Center, NESN, the Today Show, TEDx. I hope that I can prevent other people from going through what I have, and serve as  a resource for those who have to.

So no matter if you’ve been suffering with PCS for a few weeks, a few months, or a few years, find those people who help because this should not be your burden alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and I’m always here if you need someone to talk with. Things will get better, and let’s keep fighting!