Concussion Superstars Nora Fotuhi

What Is “Concussion Superstars”? A non-profit organization dedicated to decreasing the number of concussions in children in Northern Virginia Based on information and recommendations from Center of Disease Control (CDC) Founded by Nora Fotuhi- A 6th Grade Student at Spring Hill Elementary School in McLean, Virginia

What Made Me Do This? Main reason: Father, Dr. Majid Fotuhi, is a neurologist with expertise in concussion treatment My dream job is to be a neurologist and help people with brain injuries Feel passionate about educating other kids how to prevent concussions

What Made Me Do This? Second Reason: GABY My close friend, fell off her horse and got a concussion Was not wearing a helmet Had headaches for a long time Could not sleep at night Had mood swings Unable to focus in school Could have been prevented https://www.pinterest.com/KalinBanner/horse-girl-problems/?lp=true

Can Concussions be Prevented? OF COURSE THEY CAN Center for Disease Control had guidelines of how concussions can be prevented in each sport

Examples- Soccer 1 in 3 concussions among girls happens during heading the ball. So, limit heading the ball for kids under 13 Avoid Collisions (Make it illegal) No hitting another player in the head http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/the-pulse/88434-heads-up-new-rules-ban-young-soccer-players-from-heading-the-ball-

Example: Football ⅔ of the concussions in high school football happen when the players tackle each other So avoid hitting another player in the head Enforce sportsmanship Always wear helmets http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/03/youth-football-concussions_n_6606554.html

Example: Basketball ⅔ of the concussions among boys in basketball are from contact with another player So make hitting another athlete in the head illegal

What Are My Goals & Objectives? Educate at least 2,000 children in Fairfax County in one year Reduce the number of concussions by 10% among these children Provide hope for those who already have had a concussion

How Will I Accomplish Goal #1? Prepare pamphlets Put together a website (concussionsuperstars.org) Prepare and hang posters around local schools Place informational ads in Cooper newsletter Organize a one-week summer camp and several bake sales after my soccer games Invite professional speakers (Inova) Work with Brain Injury Services of Virginia

How Will I Accomplish Goal #2? Provide referees and parents at our local games with my and CDC pamphlets about safety rules Encourage athletes with a concussion to report symptoms and leave the game Ask teammates to treat them as “concussion superstars” https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/09/16/ref-ed-hochuli-pulls-bills-qb-tyrod-taylor-off-the-field-for-suspected-concussion/?utm_term=.430aa6b69b53

How Will I Accomplish Goal #3? Make a pamphlet about all treatment centers in Northern Virginia, put them on my website Work with my father and BIS (Brain Injury Services) to make a pamphlet about treatment options

How Much Funding Do I Need For This Project? Print Materials- $2,572 Furniture- $275 Food- $274 Speaker- $300 Non Profit Organization 501-C Registration and Fees- $1,000 Unplanned Expenses (website)- $2,000

TOTAL MONEY NEEDED $6,421.00

Thank You