Athlete Concussion Recovery and Redefined Dreams
Tune in to the latest episode of Life Shouldn’t Hurt with Grant Fedoruk for an essential conversation that every parent, athlete, and coach needs to hear.
This week, Grant sits down with Leigh Wolitzki and her son, Kaden, to discuss a journey no family ever expects—one shaped by multiple concussions and the tough decisions that followed.
6 Concussions Since Age 9
Kaden was a dedicated hockey player who thrived on the physicality of the game. But at just 9 years old, he suffered his first concussion, leaving his mom, Leigh, in shock as she watched her “little guy” struggle with symptoms like difficulty counting backward, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, fatigue, and emotional outbursts.
Unfortunately, Kaden’s story didn’t end there. Over the years, he sustained a total of six concussions, including two in the same year at age 17. Whether it was hitting the ice, colliding with a player’s shoulder, or even a wakeboarding accident, the effects added up.
Grant emphasizes the seriousness of concussions—a traumatic brain injury caused when the brain strikes the skull. He also highlights the dangers of second impact syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition if a player returns too soon.
After his most severe concussion, which left him with retrograde amnesia and required two and a half months of rehab, Kaden made the courageous decision to step away from hockey. He recognized that his brain health was more important than the game, prioritizing his future over short-term play.
Kaden and Leigh share crucial advice:
- Take recovery seriously—slow down and allow time to heal.
- Prioritize brain health—it’s more valuable than any game.
- Parents, get informed—have honest conversations with your kids about reporting symptoms.
As Grant reminds us, brain health lasts forever, and concussions can have lasting effects.
Don’t miss this powerful episode as Kaden and Leigh open up about unseen injuries, tough choices, and the importance of protecting your future.
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In Health, Grant Fedoruk
This information is not meant to replace the advice or treatment of a qualified physician or physiotherapist. It is meant for information only. Please seek an assessment and discuss your treatment options with your caregiver prior to making a decision about your treatment path.