KEY PLAYERS
Ambassadors of their sport and Leaders in their communities
See why helping others navigate concussion recovery matters to them
Why this matters: EMPWR is not only an organization that benefits brain injury research, but something that I've seen develop through the hard work of a dedicated team. And when I saw passion and dedication to accomplish something to benefit others, I realized that whatever I can help with, big or small, it'll be my duty.
GABRIEL LANDESKOG
NHL Forward
Why this matters: EMPWR matters to me because the stigma around concussions needs to be changed and I would love to be a part in changing it.
MARK SCHEIFELE
NHL Forward
Why this matters: Education around concussion injuries and recovery is extremely important; a concussion can change your life forever but it does not have to be career ending. Informed decisions can help with healing and moving forward. The decision to return to sport is always personal – only the individual can say what is best for them.
DARA HOWELL
Olympic Gold Medalist, Slopestyle
Why this matters: I feel lucky to have played football for many years, where many parts of my body have been diagnosed with injuries that are easy to understand and treat. Head injuries from the repetitive contact in football and other physical sports seem to be one thing that modern medicine has a hard time to put a finger on. I strongly feel that young athletes should be well informed of the consequences of long term head trauma before embarking on a career in sports.
ADRIANO BELLI
Former NFL + CFL Defensive Tackle
Why this matters: Concussion is an issue that has been overlooked. I found this out first-hand suffering from symptoms and being away from the game I love for 22 months. I would never wish head injury upon my worst enemy. Raising awareness will give people proper direction in these situations and hopefully eventually eliminate extended suffering. I believe the network we are creating has the ability to strive forward and make this goal a reality.
JOEY HISHON
KHL Forward
Why this matters: We are starting to learn more and more about concussions and their effect. I am happy to participate with EMPWR so I can share my views and experiences but moreover, further my learning and then help to educate and promote concussion awareness to others.
AL CHARRON
Rugby Canada Strongman
“Did you know... Most concussions don’t involve a loss of consciousness, or ‘blacking out’; but still need to be taken very seriously.”
BOARD of directors
Leaders in their fields, and driven to make a difference
See why improving concussion recovery outcomes matters to them.
Why this matters to her: Kathleen has had two concussions and has also seen friends, teammates and colleagues suffer needlessly through their own recovery processes. She wants us to remain active in, and inspired by sport as a society - and that means taking a more optimistic stand for progress in this area.
KATHLEEN MCGINN
Executive Director
EMPWR Foundation
Member, ICD
Why this matters to him: Michael suffered two concussions playing university hockey where his responses and recovery from each concussion felt completely different, yet had the same medical diagnosis. So he asked the question “Why?”...and the questions have yet to stop.
MICHAEL HUTCHISON
Asst. Prof. Faculty of KNES; U of T
Director, Sport Concussion Program
Why this matters to him: Ben went through a serious brain injury in his first season with the Kitchener Rangers and almost lost his life. He was lucky enough to heal let alone return to the game of hockey. He’s ready to do everything in his power to help other people who suffer brain injury from sport receive the healing and positive support that he was lucky enough to receive.
BEN FANELLI
Captain, Kitchener Rangers
OHL 09-14
Founder, Heroic Minds Podcast
Why this matters to him: The issue of concussion / head injury management matters to me as I am a father and coach of youth in contact sports, rugby in particular. I am deeply interested in both the prevention of head injuries and the prompt identification and effective treatment of those injuries when they occur.
WILLIAM WEBB
Former Chief Investment Officer Gluskin Sheff + Associates Inc.
Director, Rugby Canada.
Why this matters to him: Steve deals with concussions every year; he has been coaching ice hockey professionally for 18 years and has seen the evolution of the concussion. Steve was on the ice the night Ben was injured and does not want to experience anything like that ever again.
STEVE SPOTT
Assistant Coach, San Jose Sharks NHL
Why this matters to him: Because almost 4 million sports related concussions are “diagnosed” each year in North America. The brain has been remarkably slow in unlocking its secrets, and Daniel feels it is his purpose to do so.
DANIEL GALLUCCI
Founder, FluxBionetworks
MICHAEL SILTALA
Former CEO, Colonial House Capital
Why this matters to him: I’ve been impacted by sports’ related concussion. The experience has deeply affected me and those around me. Things need to change and I want to help make a difference.
MIKE MCKENNA
Chief Financial Officer, Mobile Klinik
Why this matters to him: As a professional football player and member of the CFLPA executive, the current players’ safety, long term health and ability to be productive and successful after football really matters to Jeff. As a new father to two young and energetic sons, who will one day play sports as well, Jeff is now even more motivated to help improve safety, increase awareness and better the recovery process for all head injuries.
JEFF KEEPING
CFL - Offensive Lineman
President - CFLPA
“Did you know... prolonged ‘jail’ time of no stimulation – no interactions, no TV, no lights, etc. may be detrimental – your tolerance to stressors should be monitored”
Our Allies
Stronger together
By aligning ourselves with sporting organizations, community groups, and businesses as committed to and passionate about creating change and positivity in the area of concussion, our message becomes louder, reaches further and touches more people and looking for information, insight and support. Our Allies contribute their resources in an effort to move our initiatives forward and help build a more powerful platform for us to share from. It’s with their shared beliefs around the importance of education and inspiration that we’re able to raise our collective voice about something that’s currently given too little attention.
