My name is Susan Hum. I am an energetic, creative and curious individual with 20+ years experience as an applied researcher, a writer/editor, and program evaluator in the healthcare and social sciences sector – and an avid hockey player. I am deeply passionate about finding a solution to minimize sports-related concussion risks, especially among youth hockey players.
IMPETUS:
On November 2, 2013 I was flattened to the ice, after I was elbowed in the back of the neck during a pick-up hockey game. I expected to be “out” for about 6 weeks. But week after week, I was still so TIRED. I had “brain fog,” headaches, dizziness, nausea, and was sensitive to light and noise. I couldn’t concentrate, couldn’t work, and definitely couldn’t play.
Five months later, when I was finally ready to play again, I FEARED that another “hit,” even if it was less aggressive than that “ flying elbow,” could mean the end of hockey for me. I wondered what I could do to protect myself from another “blind-sided hit!”