1,000 Reasons for Hope
How the first 1,000 Legacy Donors studied at the VA-BU-CLF Brain Bank are mapping the future of brain trauma research
Tom McHale
Legacy StoryWhat's inside the report
The 1,000 Reasons for Hope report celebrates the first 1,000 brain donors studied at the VA-BU-CLF Brain Bank since 2008 and how they have advanced research on concussions and CTE. Inside you'll find never-before-seen donor demographics, new testimonials from donor families including Dwayne Johnson, and a roadmap for the future of brain trauma research.
This report, created by research collaborators from the VA, Boston University, and the Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF), explains how the next 1,000 brain donors will answer critical questions that take us closer to preventing, diagnosing, and treating CTE and other long-term consequences of concussion and traumatic brain injury.
Special message from CLF CEO Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.
Thanks to our Legacy Donors and their families, as well as our incredible research team, we are closer than ever before to ending CTE. Through tireless research, awareness and prevention efforts, we continue to pave the way for the eradication of this disease. Our discoveries have already inspired changes to sports that will prevent many future cases of CTE in the next generation of athletes. Join us on our journey to cure CTE by 2040.
We would not be able to End CTE without the individuals and organizations who support this research through their donations and their advocacy. If you would like to see this groundbreaking research continue, below are six ways you can increase the impact of the research at the VA-BU-CLF Brain Bank and our Global Brain Bank partners.
Pledge Your Brain
Our research is revolutionizing the world's understanding of brain trauma. By pledging, you can help us solve the concussion crisis and end CTE.
Take the pledgeDonate to the Brain Bank
A gift directly supports Dr. Ann McKee her research team at the VA-BU-CLF Brain Bank so they can accelerate scientific discoveries.
Make a donationDonate to CLF
Give now to support CLF's education and advocacy, patient services and research programs.
We need your supportRefer someone to the CLF HelpLine
The CLF HelpLine provides personalized support to patients and caregivers suffering from the effects of brain injury. Reach out today.
We're here for youJoin Project Enlist
Project Enlist is serving as a catalyst for advancing critical research on TBI, PTSD and CTE among military Veterans.
Learn moreLegacy Donor Stories
Our 1,000 Legacy Donors are the reason we have so many reasons for hope. Learn their stories of loss, recovery, community and hope.
Read more