A brain injury is like a fingerprint, no two are alike | Kevin Pearce | TEDxLincolnSquare

Now in competition with himself, former pro-snowboarder, Kevin Pearce, shares with us his story of suffering a traumatic brain injury. And the difference between winning then and winning now.

Kevin Pearce, former professional snowboarder, is an inspirational public speaker and co-founder of LoveYourBrain LLC. He is an advocate for the prevention of brain injuries and the promotion of a brain healthy lifestyle. Kevin catapulted onto the professional snowboarding stage in 2005 at age 18, rising above others in his division and quickly becoming the athlete to watch in the ever-evolving sport. In the 2009 Winter X Games, Kevin brought home the Silver Medal for Superpipe, making him a strong contender to win Gold in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. On December 31, 2009, while training for the Olympic trials in Park City, Utah, Kevin suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. Although he was wearing a helmet at the time, the injury left Kevin in critical condition and in a medically induced coma that would change his life forever. Post-accident, Kevin has become a passionate advocate for the prevention of brain injuries and the promotion of a brain healthy lifestyle for all people.

[danielmurray]

"I Live Life in the Moment Because That's All I've Got" Mantra for life.

[leslierock]

Thank you, Kevin. I'm a fellow TBI survivor who appreciates your speaking on our behalf. You have a platform that we don't. Please continue to use it to tell everyone else what it is actually like to survive and then live with a brain injury.

[Benjamin-xurl]

He makes me feel a lot better about my incident, it’s so nice to know other people have gone through this too

[danglinfury]

I am recovering from a TBI 3 yars ago. Everything Kevin mentions, like double vision correlates with firecly with my symptoms. He literally just boosted my motivation to continue my recovery! Brovo Sir!

[bobtaylor]

Never heard of this guy, but I'm rooting for him. He is so right that no two brain injuries are alike, and that neurology knows vastly less about TBI than there is to know.

[Kari]

Man, I remember following his story after it all happened. The human brain is sooo incredible. He has stayed so positive and it shows. All the best to this kid for the rest of his life. There’s a reason he’s still alive.

[vincentgray]

I experienced a TBI in 2015. This story is very inspirational brother. After my surgery, went through a whole lot of things. Now I'm jogging 2-3 miles a day. I'm in the weight room. I don't lift as much but exercise is key, focusing on dreams and goals are key and meditation and prayer is foundation daily.

[givealittlenow]

I had the distinct pleasure of watching Kevin do his talk on stage and can attest to the power of his message but also to the profoundly caring and generous person that he is. So pleased to have met you Kevin!

[Muzk]

Kevin is the best TBI advocate in the sports setting, tbh. I remember watching his documentary with my dad when it first came out, it was then i realized it was possible. After 10 years I’m finally returning to the slopes this season. Im ready for my redemption!

[dennishageman]

As a TBI survivor, myself, I appreciate and agree with most everything he says. I share his attitude. In my opinion, our attitude is the only thing, anyone of us can control, 100%. With hard work and determination, we can improve everyday we are above ground. Keep on keepin' on; and, never ever give up.

[steveknight]

as a TBI survivor l hear everything you say

[ladybee]

My son was jr pee wee motocross competitor. He was air lifted after his accident. He had seizured few times, DAI, shearing, subdural hematoma. Correct on no 2 brains or brain injuries are alike. He healed better than what was expected. He still has cognitive delays, car sickness and headaches. He was told no contact sports/motocross indefinitely. However he took up golf and is competing in US kids golf world championship. Has won multiple local events too

[cookiecracker]

I am 45 year old man who likes to snowboard. When I saw the documentary "The Crash Reel" my perspective in outdoor activities have changed so much in the sense of precariousness. THANK YOU Kevin Pearce for giving me the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate what we have and what we can do safely and live tomorrow to do it again. This young man has become my inspiration. Please continue helping other people.

[mysticaldreams]

People with a traumatic brain injury are sensitive to certain noise or music. I had to lower the volume till he started talking. Anxiety and depression is also part of the symptoms as well as memory loss. He is really strong showing up on stage talking to those who are willing to listen to him.

[DianadeAvila]

Thank you Kevin for your story. I am a disabled Vet who had a motorcycle accident and have MS as well and all kinds of vision problems, etc. Thanks for sharing your focus - I feel very much the same way. God bless you and thank you for sharing your story!

[tracyleekley]

R u kidding me? BLESS this young man & his amazing courage and transformation. TRULY

[aegrant]

I love that part of success rested upon listening to his mom! My child has a severe brain injury and she doesn’t want to listen to me.
Part of his message I don’t like is that he insinuates that a survivor’s level of recovery is commensurate with effort. This is not entirely true. The amount and location of damage is out of the survivor’s control but I appreciate he “can do” attitude. Good positivity.

[elenakreuter]

I had seen your story short after my son suffered TBI while living in Thailand. Your story gave me much hope for what was about to come, and I am happy today after seeing how you have come along and reshaped your life. Keep it going

[travisfletcher]

Great video. Kevin seems like a fine human being. His TBI story is almost identical to mine, but mine was in 1992 from motocross. I had the same double vision for months after waking up from my coma. It slowly repaired itself and is perfect today. I hope this young mans will do the same.

[bashinmybishop]

I suffered a TBI from a RTA/pedestrian.
I was in a coma for four months. Months of rehabilitation. I had to learn to read, write, walk and talk at 12 years of age.
Before this I did Judo.
I was pretty good at this. The fitness and positive mind pulled me through this dark chapter of my life.
Forty plus years later. I am still living. But there are major consequences.
I cannot learn and retain information.
This-put an end to my working life.

I haven't done Judo since. My biggest dream is not to get a girlfriend, not to hold down a job, but to get back onto the Judo mat again. It will never happen.
I can see your problems. I experience your problems every day. I know what you, the brain injury community and what I go through every day. Namaste