Lessen the Impact®
Is a volunteer program to increase concussion awareness through education, support of research initiatives and charitable programs, while giving hope to those affected by mild traumatic brain injury.
Lessen the Impact’s vision it that one day the signs and symptoms of concussion will be well known, leaving no concussion victim undiagnosed, untreated or unsupported.
Is a volunteer program to increase concussion awareness through education, support of research initiatives and charitable programs, while giving hope to those affected by mild traumatic brain injury.
Lessen the Impact’s vision it that one day the signs and symptoms of concussion will be well known, leaving no concussion victim undiagnosed, untreated or unsupported.
Meet Lessen the Impact's Founder: Brooke Mills
Brooke's Story
I wish I could tell you what happened, but I don’t remember the details. In March of my freshman year, I was accidentally kicked in the head and knocked unconscious during play in a mandatory gym class. I was diagnosed with a concussion, but no one knew how severe it would be. I lost weeks of school. Unfortunately, I had no baseline testing, so I was cleared to return to activities before I was fully healed. Academics became extremely challenging; many of my teachers didn’t know how to make the appropriate accommodations for Post-Concussion Syndrome. Over a year later, although greatly improved, I still continue to have post- concussion headaches and memory issues causing me to struggle to be the “A” student I was prior to my brain injury.
It is estimated that as many as 3.8 million concussions happen in the U.S. per year in competitive sports; however, up to 50% of those concussions go unreported. Many kids don’t report their injury because they are afraid of being judged as “wimp,” or being denied participating in the sports they love. Others think a concussion isn’t a big deal since the wounds aren’t visible. Traumatic brain injuries are a big deal. If a player suffers from an unnoticed concussion and they keep playing, they are greater risk. A second concussion before the first one heals can worsen symptoms or tragically can cause “Second Impact Syndrome.” This condition is a rapid brain swelling often resulting in death. Players, coaches and parents need to know that a concussion is more than just a “ding” or a “bell ringer,” their future brain function and even their life is on the line. After all, it’s better to miss one game, than miss the whole season, or worse.
During my own recovery I felt isolated, discouraged, frustrated, and angry. I was teased for wearing sunglasses when I was sensitive to light. I was made to feel as if I were “faking” my issues by many of my peers. I wasn’t able to continue in my after school activities that I loved so much. In reality, just getting by on a day to day basis was difficult. I don’t want other kids to go through what I did. Physically having a concussion is bad enough, the extra emotional toll it takes is unnecessary. We can act together to lessen the impact of a concussion on a child by being a more understanding school community and support system. Everyone in the community should become more educated about concussions. Teachers, coaches and parents need to be aware of the severity of a concussion, it is by definition a mild traumatic brain injury, and should be taken seriously. We should encourage kids through awareness and education to report their injuries and any symptoms that could indicate a concussion has happened. By talking about concussions and creating a greater understanding, we improve the outlook not just for the injured person, but for everyone involved.
During my 30 - 45 minute presentation, designed for middle school and high school classrooms, I discuss what a concussion is, causes, the associated symptoms and diagnosis. I share my personal story, including my treatments with a medical doctor, chiropractors, two naturopaths and my trips to the Carrick Brain Center in Atlanta, GA. I also discuss baseline testing, the social and emotional effects of concussion and show clips from a sports related documentary on concussions. My goal is to increase the awareness and understanding of concussions among students, teachers and the greater community to lessen the impact. I'm also acting to raise the global consciousness of the concussion epidemic through National Concussion Awareness Day® recognized on the third Friday of September annually.
To schedule a presentation for your classroom or civic organization, click here
Meet Lessen the Impact Ambassador Heather Bridge
We never think it will happen to us, until one day it does. October 19, 2014 while competing in a high school basketball game, I collided head to head with another athlete. Her forehead struck my temple and I immediately fell to the ground. I tried to play it off as though I was fine, as if nothing ever happened. However, I didn’t realize the severity of the impact until the following day at school. I was unable to copy vocabulary into my notebook and was experiencing debilitating headaches. Upon further medical exam, I was diagnosed with a fractured left orbital floor and a concussion.
The following months, I pushed myself through school. Although no matter how hard I tried, I was unable to complete a full day due to the physical and mental toll it took on my body. I was told I was no longer able to participate in sports and the days grew longer and longer. Most prominently, I struggled with headaches, nausea, and vision issues. Although with lots of rest and the help of medical professionals, I was able to recover and return back to my “normal” life participating in school and sports as usual. Within the following months while participating in a mandatory gym class, a soccer ball kicked at full force from eight feet away struck my head in the exact same location.
I was diagnosed with a second concussion and was unable to participate in sports yet again. School was entirely different if I went at all. This time, I suffered from severe anxiety along with migraines, memory issues, speech impairments and many other symptoms. My friends and family didn't understand why I couldn't just move on. After all, my head wasn't wrapped in a band-aid, there was no way for them to understand the severity of the impact. I wore ear plugs and sunglasses to help decrease sound and light stimulation. However, I was often made fun of by other students or called out by teachers because of it. As a result, I often felt defeated by their comments and although it helped, I would take them off. Although significantly improved, three years later I am still recovering from post- concussive symptoms. I endured both traditional and non-traditional treatment plans over the course of two years including medical doctors, chiropractors, cranio-sacral therapists, and many more.
Having a concussion at school was hard enough. However, I didn't expect the amount of students, teachers and faculty who didn't even know what a concussion was! They struggled to make proper accommodations in the classroom and often pushed me aside because they didn't understand. Several teachers told me they had never had a student like me, and therefore I would have to figure it out myself. Through my own experiences and interactions with others, I found there needed to be a greater education and understanding for students with concussions.
I began sharing my experiences, and have become a peer advocate for students with concussions. I have had the opportunity to speak with the Athletic Director, the Nashua Teachers Union, and the Board of Education as well as on podcasts and talk shows to discuss the subject. Within the Nashua school district, I have helped to institute a Return to Learn Protocol along with a Return to Play Protocol to give both students and faculty the resources and education they need to better accommodate those who struggle in silence. I share my personal story, the impact both traditional and non-traditional medicine has played in my recovery as well as the signs, symptoms and causes associated with a concussion. Healing from a brain injury takes an entire village. Through further education and awareness, it is my goal that all people will have the resources they need to recognize a concussion, speak up, and receive proper treatment from both the general public as well as medical professionals throughout their recovery.
The following months, I pushed myself through school. Although no matter how hard I tried, I was unable to complete a full day due to the physical and mental toll it took on my body. I was told I was no longer able to participate in sports and the days grew longer and longer. Most prominently, I struggled with headaches, nausea, and vision issues. Although with lots of rest and the help of medical professionals, I was able to recover and return back to my “normal” life participating in school and sports as usual. Within the following months while participating in a mandatory gym class, a soccer ball kicked at full force from eight feet away struck my head in the exact same location.
I was diagnosed with a second concussion and was unable to participate in sports yet again. School was entirely different if I went at all. This time, I suffered from severe anxiety along with migraines, memory issues, speech impairments and many other symptoms. My friends and family didn't understand why I couldn't just move on. After all, my head wasn't wrapped in a band-aid, there was no way for them to understand the severity of the impact. I wore ear plugs and sunglasses to help decrease sound and light stimulation. However, I was often made fun of by other students or called out by teachers because of it. As a result, I often felt defeated by their comments and although it helped, I would take them off. Although significantly improved, three years later I am still recovering from post- concussive symptoms. I endured both traditional and non-traditional treatment plans over the course of two years including medical doctors, chiropractors, cranio-sacral therapists, and many more.
Having a concussion at school was hard enough. However, I didn't expect the amount of students, teachers and faculty who didn't even know what a concussion was! They struggled to make proper accommodations in the classroom and often pushed me aside because they didn't understand. Several teachers told me they had never had a student like me, and therefore I would have to figure it out myself. Through my own experiences and interactions with others, I found there needed to be a greater education and understanding for students with concussions.
I began sharing my experiences, and have become a peer advocate for students with concussions. I have had the opportunity to speak with the Athletic Director, the Nashua Teachers Union, and the Board of Education as well as on podcasts and talk shows to discuss the subject. Within the Nashua school district, I have helped to institute a Return to Learn Protocol along with a Return to Play Protocol to give both students and faculty the resources and education they need to better accommodate those who struggle in silence. I share my personal story, the impact both traditional and non-traditional medicine has played in my recovery as well as the signs, symptoms and causes associated with a concussion. Healing from a brain injury takes an entire village. Through further education and awareness, it is my goal that all people will have the resources they need to recognize a concussion, speak up, and receive proper treatment from both the general public as well as medical professionals throughout their recovery.
Meet Lessen the Impact Ambassador Hunter Schulz
Life is unpredictable; everyday we experience our own challenges that we face and persevere through. I had always been a go-getter, refusing to give up until I reached my goals, and motivated to change the world. When I was 15, I went from a straight A student, member of the National Honor Society, varsity cheer leader, to a person that was so far from myself.
The story of how it happened is not one of excitement and epicness, but clumsiness. I only remember bits and pieces; most of it I’ve just had to take from what others told me. To avoid a bee sting, I jumped backward into the passenger seat of a car, not realizing that I hadn’t ducked down far enough. The end result was the back of my head coming into contact with the door frame. I don’t remember what happened right after that, but my mom remembers my face, pale and confused, and she knew that this wasn’t good. After hitting my head, I came into the house to sit down because I was dizzy, nauseous, and could barely stand up. I walked arm in arm with my mom back into the house and went to lay down on the couch. Having zero sense of balance, I started to fall backward and hit my head on the back of the couch; a double hit.
n the first couple days, there wasn’t a drastic change; my head hurt and the lights bothered me, but nothing seemed too out of the ordinary. I visited my pediatrician and was diagnosed with a mild concussion. It seemed that after a few days' rest, I would be back to normal in no time, but I had no idea what was in store for me. The days started to grow longer as more symptoms arose and the severity heightened. My headaches were almost constant, I was always confused, I couldn’t remember things after they happened, the noise and lights were unbearable, my vision was blurry, my balance was gone, I jumbled up my words, and I didn’t feel like myself. It got to the point where I couldn’t leave the dark silence of my room or stand on my own two feet without wobbling or falling to the ground. I had had a concussion previously, but this one was not at all like the last.
I visited a specialist who directed me to a vestibular therapist that could help me develop a healing plan. I was pushed too far on the first visit, and I regressed even more as the symptoms worsened. I was lucky enough to have searched for a second opinion from someone that could help me with the appropriate steps to take in my recovery. I was lucky to find a physical therapist that had worked with concussion patients before and had great successes, and this was a crucial step in my journey. She truly understood what it was like to deal with the diverse symptoms surrounding concussions and brain injuries. Physical therapy started off with “basic” things like sitting in a chair with my eyes closed. We played games and had a lot of fun, we got along great, and I began looking forward to going to my appointments. My lack of balance made it so that I would lean and wobble so much that I had to be strapped to a rope in case I started to fall. Over months and months of physical therapy, I gradually upgraded my exercise from sitting in a chair, to kneeling, to standing, playing patty cake, to throwing balls back and forth, to even spinning!! Every week I would take a safety test, that was normally used for the elderly, to see how my balance was and if it would be safe for me to return to school. Often I was disappointed and frustrated with my inability to do simple tasks, but as time went I learned to appreciate and celebrate even the smallest accomplishments.
Falling behind in school was my biggest struggle because my academics were always important to me, and to make matters worse nobody understood what I was dealing with. I missed 60+ days of school, and I was so worried about getting my work done even more than I was about recovering. It became increasingly more difficult with my schoolwork because I was not supported by my school and faculty. One of my teachers' only instruction was to “look at the notes for what you missed”. The teachers and guidance counselors thought I was exaggerating my symptoms and taking advantage of not being able to do the schoolwork as if it was a vacation for me. I was pressured to return to cheer by my coach, and when I refused, I was met with irritation. They didn’t see my frustration of not being myself and the inability to do anything, especially my school work. I loved school, so to not be able to bounce right back and be with my friends at school, back to the person I was before my injury, was devastating. My school didn’t understand the severity of it, but I knew I could do it; I refused to give up. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined and fought so hard to catch back up. I graduated with a 4.1 GPA beaming with pride.
I still struggle with some Post Concussion Syndrome symptoms like migraines, dizziness, and trouble concentrating, but I’ve come so far and I am so proud of the progress I have made. For some time, I had wished that I just let that bee sting me, but I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. My injury led me to discovering the world of pageantry which gives me a platform to share my story and help others dealing with concussions and brain injuries. Despite it being extremely challenging, I overcame the struggles, learned a lot about myself, and now it is my goal and mission to educate others on the complicated thing that is a brain injury and support those battling with one any way that I can.
Life is unpredictable; everyday we experience our own challenges that we face and persevere through. I had always been a go-getter, refusing to give up until I reached my goals, and motivated to change the world. When I was 15, I went from a straight A student, member of the National Honor Society, varsity cheer leader, to a person that was so far from myself.
The story of how it happened is not one of excitement and epicness, but clumsiness. I only remember bits and pieces; most of it I’ve just had to take from what others told me. To avoid a bee sting, I jumped backward into the passenger seat of a car, not realizing that I hadn’t ducked down far enough. The end result was the back of my head coming into contact with the door frame. I don’t remember what happened right after that, but my mom remembers my face, pale and confused, and she knew that this wasn’t good. After hitting my head, I came into the house to sit down because I was dizzy, nauseous, and could barely stand up. I walked arm in arm with my mom back into the house and went to lay down on the couch. Having zero sense of balance, I started to fall backward and hit my head on the back of the couch; a double hit.
n the first couple days, there wasn’t a drastic change; my head hurt and the lights bothered me, but nothing seemed too out of the ordinary. I visited my pediatrician and was diagnosed with a mild concussion. It seemed that after a few days' rest, I would be back to normal in no time, but I had no idea what was in store for me. The days started to grow longer as more symptoms arose and the severity heightened. My headaches were almost constant, I was always confused, I couldn’t remember things after they happened, the noise and lights were unbearable, my vision was blurry, my balance was gone, I jumbled up my words, and I didn’t feel like myself. It got to the point where I couldn’t leave the dark silence of my room or stand on my own two feet without wobbling or falling to the ground. I had had a concussion previously, but this one was not at all like the last.
I visited a specialist who directed me to a vestibular therapist that could help me develop a healing plan. I was pushed too far on the first visit, and I regressed even more as the symptoms worsened. I was lucky enough to have searched for a second opinion from someone that could help me with the appropriate steps to take in my recovery. I was lucky to find a physical therapist that had worked with concussion patients before and had great successes, and this was a crucial step in my journey. She truly understood what it was like to deal with the diverse symptoms surrounding concussions and brain injuries. Physical therapy started off with “basic” things like sitting in a chair with my eyes closed. We played games and had a lot of fun, we got along great, and I began looking forward to going to my appointments. My lack of balance made it so that I would lean and wobble so much that I had to be strapped to a rope in case I started to fall. Over months and months of physical therapy, I gradually upgraded my exercise from sitting in a chair, to kneeling, to standing, playing patty cake, to throwing balls back and forth, to even spinning!! Every week I would take a safety test, that was normally used for the elderly, to see how my balance was and if it would be safe for me to return to school. Often I was disappointed and frustrated with my inability to do simple tasks, but as time went I learned to appreciate and celebrate even the smallest accomplishments.
Falling behind in school was my biggest struggle because my academics were always important to me, and to make matters worse nobody understood what I was dealing with. I missed 60+ days of school, and I was so worried about getting my work done even more than I was about recovering. It became increasingly more difficult with my schoolwork because I was not supported by my school and faculty. One of my teachers' only instruction was to “look at the notes for what you missed”. The teachers and guidance counselors thought I was exaggerating my symptoms and taking advantage of not being able to do the schoolwork as if it was a vacation for me. I was pressured to return to cheer by my coach, and when I refused, I was met with irritation. They didn’t see my frustration of not being myself and the inability to do anything, especially my school work. I loved school, so to not be able to bounce right back and be with my friends at school, back to the person I was before my injury, was devastating. My school didn’t understand the severity of it, but I knew I could do it; I refused to give up. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined and fought so hard to catch back up. I graduated with a 4.1 GPA beaming with pride.
I still struggle with some Post Concussion Syndrome symptoms like migraines, dizziness, and trouble concentrating, but I’ve come so far and I am so proud of the progress I have made. For some time, I had wished that I just let that bee sting me, but I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. My injury led me to discovering the world of pageantry which gives me a platform to share my story and help others dealing with concussions and brain injuries. Despite it being extremely challenging, I overcame the struggles, learned a lot about myself, and now it is my goal and mission to educate others on the complicated thing that is a brain injury and support those battling with one any way that I can.