We are a nonprofit organization focusing on 2 major issues:
1) Providing education and assistance with research related to concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and/or repetitive head impact (i.e., sports, military, first responders, vehicle accidents, etc.); and
2) Taking an active role in helping people in need by improving access to mental health services...while eliminating the stigma of mental illness, including but not limited to, SUD/OUD addictions, PTSD, suicide prevention, homelessness, food insecurity, and educational opportunities (including cancer and strokes).
The 21-14 Concussion Awareness Foundation (21-14 CAF) was established in the memory of John Stefan Gaal, Jr. He participated in sports year-round since the age of 5. (While in high school, his football number was 21 and soccer number was 14.) Unfortunately, during this time, our Little John sustained multiple traumatic brain injuries that years later led to anxiety, depression, and, ultimately, suicide.
On March 24, 2017, after suffering for six years, John Jr lost his battle.
On December 6, 2017, world-leading researchers at Boston University (Concussion Legacy Foundation) determined that he was a victim of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Are you interested in what we are doing? Let us know!
We seek opportunities to:
1) Share our vision with parents, K-12 sports teams, referee associations, and school administrators.
At the very least, we encourage you to speak to your loved ones about the potential dangers of head injuries while playing contact (collision) sports. There are safer (evidence-based) approaches.
Ask questions...
Demand answers!!!
2) Invest resources in projects/programs/people assisting those who are struggling to overcome Mental Health issues related to head injuries.
Our lives have been forever changed. Nothing we can do will ever bring our John Jr back. However, in his spirit of giving his time and talents to assist less fortunate populations, we request your help so that others (e.g., student, athletes, current/former military, first responders, construction workers, and their families) may avoid the tragic effects of PTSD, TBIs, and CTE.
Whether you help through monetary donations or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, THANK YOU!
We could not accomplish our goals without the assistance of supporters like you.
Your donations are tax deductible. The 21-14 CAF is a DBA under the Dr. John S Gaal Scholarship Fund a 501(c)(3), EIN: 26-2693980.
Copyright © 2018 21-14 Concussion Awareness Foundation - All Rights Reserved.