A Mother’s Heartbreaking Warning: The Dangers of Youth Concussions
In a tragic turn of events, a South Florida mother, Diana Colon, lost her 16-year-old son, Daniel Brett, after he suffered repeated concussions while playing football. Daniel ultimately took his own life in March of 2011, leaving his family devastated and searching for answers. Colon shared her heart-wrenching story with NBC 6, shedding light on the risks that young athletes face when it comes to head injuries.
The Start of Daniel’s Football Journey
Daniel’s love for football began at a young age, around 11 years old, when he started playing recreationally. Despite his smaller stature, weighing only 160 pounds, he was determined to make the junior varsity football team at Cypress Bay High School when he was just fourteen. However, during a practice, everything changed for Daniel.
Colon recalled the moment when Daniel started stumbling on the field and told his coach that he couldn’t see. This was the beginning of a downward spiral that led to Daniel never playing football again. The family noticed changes in Daniel’s behavior, including migraines and depression, as he struggled to cope with the effects of his brain injury.
“He stopped being the Daniel that I recognized, that our family loved,” Colon shared. “The sweet, warm, loving kid. Because he had a brain injury, and we didn’t understand it. He didn’t understand it.”
The Devastating Impact of Concussions
As Colon grappled with the loss of her son, she couldn’t help but feel a personal connection to recent events in the world of football. Watching Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffer another concussion during a game brought back painful memories for her. It served as a stark reminder of the dangers that young athletes face when it comes to head injuries.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Christopher Roberts, a football fan himself, has treated multiple patients with concussions similar to Tagovailoa’s. He emphasized that looks can be deceiving when it comes to head injuries, urging caution and awareness among players, coaches, and parents.
Understanding the Risks of Repetitive Head Impacts
Recent research has shed light on the long-term consequences of repetitive head impacts in contact sports. Boston University’s CTE Center published a study that examined the brains of young athletes who had died before the age of 30. Shockingly, more than 41% of the individuals had evidence of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head trauma.
Colon learned from the study that the cumulative effects of soft sub-concussive hits to the brain can lead to lasting damage over time. Dr. Daniel Daneshvar, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and CTE Center researcher, explained that concussions have a progressive effect, especially when athletes experience multiple injuries to the head.
For Colon, the findings of the study resonated deeply. She believes that Daniel’s repeated exposure to seemingly minor hits on the football field contributed to his pain and ultimately led to his untimely death. By donating her son’s brain for CTE research, Colon hopes to raise awareness about the risks that young athletes face in contact sports.
Preventative Measures for Youth Athletes
In light of the growing concerns surrounding concussions in sports, researchers and medical professionals recommend taking proactive steps to protect young athletes. One key recommendation is to delay the start of contact sports involving hits to the head until the age of fourteen. This precautionary measure aims to reduce the risk of long-term neurological disorders, such as CTE, in young athletes.
As parents, coaches, and healthcare providers, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of young athletes. By educating ourselves about the signs and symptoms of concussions, advocating for proper protocols for head injuries, and promoting a culture of safety in sports, we can work towards preventing tragedies like Daniel’s from occurring in the future.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Change
Colon’s heartbreaking story serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that concussions can have on young athletes. Through her advocacy and willingness to share her son’s story, she hopes to raise awareness about the risks of repetitive head impacts in sports and inspire positive change within the athletic community.
As we reflect on Daniel’s life and the legacy he left behind, let us commit to taking meaningful action to protect the next generation of athletes. By prioritizing safety, implementing evidence-based guidelines, and fostering a culture of care and support, we can create a safer environment for all young athletes to thrive and excel in their chosen sports. Together, we can honor Daniel’s memory and ensure that his story serves as a catalyst for positive change in youth sports.