Get Inspired

Looking for some inspiration? Below, you’ll find a gallery of stories of loss, recovery, community and hope to help patients and families who are struggling.

If you’d like to share your story, reach out to Digital Content Manager Nick Paik at npaik@concussionandcte.org to get started.

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The Hidden Danger of Tackle Football The Hidden Danger of Tackle Football Stories A Legacy Donor’s nephew made a powerful animation detailing CTE and the effects of tackle football. PCS Recovery with USFL Safety Dartez Jacobs PCS Recovery with USFL Safety Dartez Jacobs Stories USFL Safety Dartez Jacobs on his PCS recovery journey and channeling pain into purpose. A Former Hockey Player’s Vow to Help Youth Athletes A Former Hockey Player’s Vow to Help Youth Athletes Stories Former hockey player Lewis Simon shares his story to inspire hope and help future youth athletes. Making it Through the Perfect Storm Making it Through the Perfect Storm Stories Former college LB Dan Devaney shares his journey overcoming addiction, suicidality, and possible CTE. Gretchen Evans on Hope After Military TBI Gretchen Evans on Hope After Military TBI Stories Ret. US Army Command Sgt. Major Gretchen Evans shares her TBI experience and brain pledge decision. Hope with PCS: Kylie Lowell's Recovery Journey Hope with PCS: Kylie Lowell's Recovery Journey Stories Kylie Lowell shares her struggles with PCS and how she got on the path to recovery. A Pro Snowboarder's New Purpose After Concussions A Pro Snowboarder's New Purpose After Concussions Stories Former snowboarder Jake Pates on how concussions affected him, and his new purpose after retirement. Why I Stopped Playing Football at Age 17 Why I Stopped Playing Football at Age 17 Stories High school football player Matthew Solomon shares his decision to protect his long-term brain health. Controlling Your Mental Health is Key Controlling Your Mental Health is Key Stories Ex-college football player Adrian Arrington shares the importance of control when it comes to mental health. How Concussions in Motocross Changed My Life How Concussions in Motocross Changed My Life Stories Ex-Motocross pro Jeffry Graham shares his story and why he decided to pledge his brain to CTE research. Life After Brain Trauma in the U.S. Army Life After Brain Trauma in the U.S. Army Stories “We can do more than just endure.” Lt. Colonel Robert Gowan shares his new mission after 25 years of service. Shane Bannon: My Concussion Tribute™ Shane Bannon: My Concussion Tribute™ Stories Former NFL player Shane Bannon shares why he's taking part in Concussion Tribute™ donations. A Water Skier's Concussion Recovery Journey A Water Skier's Concussion Recovery Journey Stories Caty Hastings shares her story to inspire others going through similar PCS recovery. Tom Gardner: My Concussion Tribute™ Tom Gardner: My Concussion Tribute™ Stories Motley Fool CEO and Co-Founder Tom Gardner shares why he's making Concussion Tribute™ donations. Army Captain Pledges Brain to CTE Research Army Captain Pledges Brain to CTE Research Stories As the first veteran to pledge his brain, Will Reynolds shares his story to encourage others to do the same. With Brain Pledge, Navy Veteran Rewrites Her Story With Brain Pledge, Navy Veteran Rewrites Her Story Stories “We all have stories. It’s what comes after the story - the and - that makes a difference.” -Christine Conley Lost Inside Myself: My Battle with PCS Lost Inside Myself: My Battle with PCS Stories Jamie Martin shares the hardships of PCS recovery and how she learned to love herself and her life again. How I Got Support for Possible CTE How I Got Support for Possible CTE Stories Danny Halverson shares his story with the hope that it will inspire others to set the stigma aside and seek help. College Teammates Launch Concussion Awareness 5K College Teammates Launch Concussion Awareness 5K Stories Two former Cornell gymnasts are spreading concussion awareness and raising money by starting a 5K. Phil Green's Fearless Fight Against ALS Phil Green's Fearless Fight Against ALS Stories Why former UW football player Phil Green pledged his brain to help researchers understand ALS and CTE. Spreading Inspiration through #ConcussionHope Spreading Inspiration through #ConcussionHope Stories Join the community of concussion advocates sharing their stories and helping others navigate symptoms. Noelle Foley's PCS Roller Coaster Ride Noelle Foley's PCS Roller Coaster Ride Stories Actress and social media star Noelle Foley shares her PCS recovery journey after an amusement park accident. Renewed Purpose After PCS: Ryan Pamplin's Story Renewed Purpose After PCS: Ryan Pamplin's Story Stories The BlendJet CEO shares how a new passion for nutrition led to innovation amidst his PCS recovery. Changing Course: New Passion After Concussion Changing Course: New Passion After Concussion Stories Volleyball player Julia Scoles kept the ball in her court after concussions led her to embrace a whole new sport.