Matthew Garver, DVM

Dr. Matthew Garver was a star athlete who played college football for Kansas State University before graduating with a doctorate in veterinary medicine. A devoted family man, he was also a community leader who was always quick to lend a helping hand. During his later years, he struggled with his emotions, impulsivity, and memory loss. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 55. His brain was donated to the UNITE Brain Bank, where researchers diagnosed him with stage 2 (of 4) CTE. Below, Garver's family shares his Legacy story to bring awareness to this disease and let others know they don't have to suffer alone.

Dr. Matthew Garver was a star athlete at Wayne Community High School in Iowa. He participated in the Shrine Bowl and went on to play college football at Kansas State University where he graduated in 1990 with a doctorate in veterinary medicine. As an offensive lineman, he faced repeated head trauma on the field at every practice and game.

Dr. Garver was determined and kind. He was a leader in his community and an amazing dad. He built his veterinary clinic from the ground up and made it a flourishing practice. Often, it seemed as though there was nothing that he could not accomplish.

But later in life, Dr. Garver began experiencing early symptoms of CTE, including erratic emotions, impulsive decision-making, and eventually memory loss. After his death in 2021 at the age of 55, he was diagnosed with stage 2 Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) at Boston University’s CTE Center.

Dr. Garver’s family’s wish is that his story brings attention to the disease and makes others aware they are not alone.

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