A group of athletes in Soptsylvania County, Va., who have suffered severe concussions while playing sports have banded together. Now they’ve formed “Concussion Connections” to support one another and to help others in similar situations.

The four girls, 16- and 17-year-old students athletes, all experienced symptoms like head pain and impaired thinking processes even after their doctors cleared them. But, as one of their mothers pointed out, “‘Cleared’ is different from ‘healed.’”

The girls had to take long absences from the sports that they love and faced worries over losing scholarship opportunities and other long-term problems they’d have to face. They found that others did not understand what they were going through, and some even accused them of faking their symptoms. So they searched for others in similar situations and found one another.

Through the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., they were able to learn more about the long-term effects of head injury, and now they use the center for physical therapy and cognitive testing. They’re also working to inform and help other athletes who go through the same things as they did.

Despite the wealth of information that has sprung up over recent years regarding head injury, it is still often misunderstood among the general population. These girls are working hard to change that in their community, and here’s hoping that others will follow in that example.

*Scientists have no conclusive evidence as to whether or how the reduction of g-forces during impacts reduces the number or degree of concussions and head injuries. GelDefender products provide supplemental padding as well as cooling and comfort benefits when used with helmets and caps. Participants in activities in which head impacts can occur should always use tested and approved helmets for protection. However, no helmet or supplemental padding can protect the user from all serious head or neck injuries that can result from impacts.