Traumatic Brain Injury – The Positive Message of Kevin Pearce

I recently had the pleasure of hearing Kevin Pearce speak at the UHN Toronto Rehab Institute 2015 Conference on Traumatic Brain Injury.

For those unfamiliar with this impressive man, Kevin is a former professional snowboarder who suffered a near fatal traumatic brain injury while training for the Vancouver Winter Olympic trials in December of 2009. His remarkable experience and recovery was captured in the 2013 HBO documentary “The Crash Reel”.

Kevin’s message is inspirational; it is positive and hopeful and it is absolutely one that needs to be heard. He spoke of his rise to athletic excellence, his devastating fall, and his ongoing recovery.

In listening to him speak, it is very clear that Kevin has chosen to be a positive person. He has chosen to educate and inspire; he is a leader in the world of traumatic brain injury. Kevin promotes the importance of leading a “brain healthy lifestyle” and, in this regard, he spoke of the Love Your Brain Foundation which is a non-profit organization that he created with his brother Adam Pearce. The Foundation is one that aims to improve the quality of life of people affected by brain injury. I would encourage visitation to his website at www.loveyourbrain.org.

Kevin’s message is one that can benefit brain injury survivors and others alike. I thank him, and the good folks at University Health Network, for allowing me the chance to hear it. I have been reminded of the importance of being present and grateful for my everyday life!

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