Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) September 09, 2013 -- One year removed from his shocking announcement to retire from college football and forgo an NFL career, due to repeated concussions, former UCLA linebacker Patrick Larimore unveils today a new social enterprise, My Head Hurts, to empower brain trauma survivors.
This interactive community aims to promote greater innovation, advanced methods of care, and staunch support and empathy for the millions affected by brain injuries.
“The wall of silence has finally been broken,” said Larimore, who has become a vocal advocate of improving the diagnosis and treatment of brain injuries, as well as preventive measures. “It’s time to discuss brain injuries more openly and recognize the thousands of untold stories out there.”
Larimore, a former UCLA team captain and starting middle linebacker, received national recognition for making one of the most historic and courageous decisions by a student-athlete. After suffering repeated concussions, including one that sidelined the former UCLA defensive MVP for over a month, Larimore retired from college football in August of 2012. He skipped his final season of eligibility as a senior, and potentially a promising career in the NFL.
“As much as I love football, I realized that my long-term health and my personal relationships were too important to risk if I continued to compete on the field,” Larimore said. “These injuries are simply not endurable if you ignore your body and mind.”
My Head Hurts was founded by Larimore in response to the outpour of support, following his announcement.
“People were reaching out to me from all over the country,” Larimore said. “Many of them had stories of their own – brain injuries as a result of sports, military service, manual labor, or even household accidents. We want them to know that they’re not alone.”
MyHeadHurts.co, along with featuring top experts and educational resources, will focus heavily on social interaction among brain trauma survivors and their loved ones, making it easier to share stories and connect with peers and medical professionals.
“The stories are what make this issue come to life,” added Larimore. “These injuries have a profound impact on family and friends, not just the individual survivors.”
Larimore has committed to changing the culture of how brain injuries are perceived and treated – not just in sports, but throughout every professional environment.
“It’s a shared responsibility,” Larimore said. “We cannot afford to underestimate the severity of brain injuries. My Heads Hurts will be the first step in giving these injuries, and the individuals affected by them, the attention that they deserve.”
Michael Wissot, My Head Hurts, http://www.MyHeadHurts.co, +1 805-490-2460, [email protected]
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