With the rising expectations of sports and the public’s desire to see athletes perform the most daring, seemingly impossible feats, the rate of sports-related brain injuries is increasing.
A traumatic brain injury is a life-changing event that does not discriminate, and can happen to anyone at any time.
Legendary snowboarder Kevin Pearce’s life changed dramatically in December 2009, when, at age 22, he experienced a brain injury after performing a complicated trick while training for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
On Friday, October 24 at 7 p.m., the 10th Annual FOCUS Film Festival in Chico will feature “The Crash Reel,” a documentary that follows the inspirational, unforgettable journey of Kevin before and after his accident.
Despite experiencing a nearly fatal brain injury that left him in critical condition and in the hospital for months, Kevin made a remarkable recovery through rehabilitation and with the unconditional support of his family, friends and fans. Kevin’s experiences, from his incredible feats on a snowboard to his tragic accident and emotional road to recovery, are all documented in detail in the film.
According to the Brain Trauma Foundation, 1.6 million to 3.8 million sports-related brain injuries occur each year. The Brain Injury Coalition of Chico, and the Accessibility Resource Center of California State University, Chico, are hosting the film because of its potential to bring awareness to the severity of sports injuries and the power of film as a medium to educate the public. “Bringing about that awareness really helps people to have an understanding about brain injury, and this is a perfect way to do it,” said Landa Bell Carter, president of the board of the Brain Injury Coalition. “It’s an interesting film and a realization too. It’s a great way to reach young people.”
Sandy Parsons, the director of the Accessibility Resource Center, believes that “The Crash Reel” will be an excellent way to connect with audiences because of the film’s influential power. “I think films, in particular, offer a tremendous opportunity to make people feel something,” Parsons said. “We have all these laws to tell us how to act, but you can’t make people feel something or understand by passing laws. If you really want to affect change, people need to feel something and feel connected to the issue.”
Kevin Pearce and other survivors of traumatic brain injuries must go through the unique experience of rediscovering themselves because of the symptoms of their injury. Support and understanding from people in their lives and communities can be essential to helping survivors integrate back into society.
“Survivors don’t see themselves as being an inspiration, but they really are,” said Cindy Bell, vice president of the Brain Injury Coalition. “They’re amazing people, and they have a lot to offer.”
Kevin has actively raised awareness through this powerful documentary and through the Kevin Pierce Fund. The fund was created by his family in partnership with the Vermont Community Foundation, to help subsidize organizations supporting families facing similar difficulties. Kevin will conduct a Q&A session via Skype with the audience following the screening.
Posted in: Community
Comment Policy: All viewpoints are welcome, but comments should remain relevant. Personal attacks, profanity, and aggressive behavior are not allowed. No spam, advertising, or promoting of products/services. Please, only use your real name and limit the amount of links submitted in your comment.
You Might Also Like...
Foster Care and Adoption – A Family in the Making
With over 400,000 American children in foster care, and nearly 120,000 waiting for adoption, it is clear that families are waiting to be made. November is National Adoption Awareness Month, […]
Covered California: What You Need To Know About The New Healthcare Marketplace
According to the California Healthcare Foundation’s 2012 annual report entitled “California’s Uninsured: Treading Water,” in 2011 nearly 7.1 million people under the age of 65 were not covered by health […]
How to Host a Holiday Cookie Exchange
Cookie exchanges are inherently rewarding. Not only do you have a chance to share one of your family favorites, a cookie swap is a festive way to feed your guests […]
National Parks – American Treasures
Use your imagination … what if you and your family had the opportunity to: Hike or bike miles of trails that span rolling hills, flat lands, rugged terrain or steep […]
