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CTE: A Family's Grief Beyond the NFL
30 Aug
Summary
- CTE impacts families far beyond professional athletes.
- Don Horton, a college coach, died from CTE in May 2016.
- Maura Horton advocates for greater support and understanding of CTE.
Maura Horton's family experienced the profound devastation of CTE when her husband, Don, passed away in May 2016. Don, a former college football coach for Boston College and N.C. State, was posthumously diagnosed with severe CTE, a condition often associated with NFL players. His family's journey underscores that CTE's impact extends to athletes at all levels, not just professionals.
Maura aims to bridge the gap between research findings and the daily struggles of affected families. She advocates for more comprehensive support systems and open dialogue, noting the lack of resources for individuals dealing with CTE's progression. The disease dramatically altered their life plans, illustrating the profound and lasting aftermath for those left behind.
Don's diagnosis initially was Parkinson's, but his rapidly declining health and cognitive changes led Maura to suspect CTE. His reluctance to accept football's role in his illness stemmed from its deep connection to his identity. His brain donation, though reluctant, ultimately confirmed the severity of his condition, a grade three to four CTE.
The Hortons faced significant challenges due to the lack of readily available information and support for CTE outside the professional sports sphere. Maura draws parallels to organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, advocating for a stronger educational component for CTE. The goal is to ensure families understand the risks and have resources to navigate the disease's devastating effects.
