Personal Stakes
The brain behind BrainWave
My 'Why'.
Hi there.
My name is Sally Boyden-Elzey, and I am a student at Thomas Worthington
High School in Worthington, Ohio.
Why I care:
My interest in CTE awareness and safety improvements in contact sports started with my family's experience with my dad, who after years of participating in football-including at the collegiate level-is now experiencing the adverse effects of the game many of us adore. His experience, as well as mine witnessing his neurological decline as I have grown up, inspired me to do for my peers what I wish someone would have done for my father when he was a young athlete; work to raise awareness for what the game can lead to, and improve upon safety equipment and practices.
To Clarify,
I am in no way trying to paint football in a poor light or advocating for young athletes to cease their participation. Rather, my desire is to make those who do play safer now, so they are healthier down the line. Safety does not mean stoppage, but improving both the livelihoods and lifespans of players. As someone removed from the rush and excitement of participating, I am equipped to see to possible ramifications of neglecting awareness and safety, and my only responsibility is to do what I can to advocate for these things in a positive and benevolent manner.