Dave Duerson Athletic Safety Fund, Inc.
The Dave Duerson Athletic Safety Fund, Inc. was founded by Dave Duerson's brother, Michael Timothy Duerson. This fund was created in May, 2012. This fund was initially support the Muncie Community Schools, but is branching out to surrounding counties in 2013.
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Dave Duerson Athletic Safety Fund, Inc. Mission Statement:
Dave Duerson Athletic Safety Fund, Inc. is a continuous program to support and benefit the student athletes in the Muncie Community Schools and surrounding areas. The Fund's mission is to be a sustainable funding mechanism for the prevention and detection of head injuries of student athletes in the 5th through 12th grades. Initial activities include raising awareness of head injuries in student athletes, baseline testing (ImPACT) of the defined participating athletic groups, including post-injury testing and return-to-play evaluation when needed. The Fund continually seeks additional avenues in which to address its mission, such as subsidizing the purchase and maintenance of athletic head gear for the athletes. In addition, the Fund will be providing concussion awareness training for student athletes in Kindergarten through 4th grades.
How This Fund Was Started
The Dave Duerson MCS Athletic Safety Fund (a branch of Dave Duerson Athletic Safety Fund, Inc.) was created in honor of Muncie native and former NFL Player Dave Duerson.
ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) testing was developed in the 1990's and is a 20 minute test used by athletic trainers, school nurses, athletic directors, team doctors, and psychologists. It is the most widely used computerized concussion evaluation system. This type of concussion assessment can help to objectively evaluate the concussed athlete's post-injury condition and track recovery for safe return to play, thus preventing the cumulative effects of concussions.
We have been blessed to have a doctor from Indianapolis offer to provide the baseline ImPACT Testing for all student athletes in grades 5 through 12 enrolled in Muncie Community Schools. This will include all male and female athletes in all sports ranging from Cheerleading to Football. Dr. Todd Arnold, MD (from the Athletes Concussion Alliance) will be providing the baseline ImPACT tests free of charge for all of the student athletes. Both Dr. Arnold and his business partner, Dr. Kersey are 2 of 8 doctors in the United States that are certified to train other physicians on ImPACT Testing and how to interpret the results of the post-injury tests.
Dave played football, baseball, and basketball at both Storer Middle School and Northside High School in Muncie, IN. He was given an opportunity to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers as a pitcher and outfielder in 1979, but at the insistence of his father, he pursued his education at the University of Notre Dame, where he graduated in 1983 with a Gold Tassel. Dave was named as his team's MVP and Captain. He was a 3rd round draft pick by the Chicago Bears in 1983 and was selected to four consecutive Pro Bowls from 1986 to 1989. While proud of all of his accomplishments Dave truly shined after earning two Super Bowl rings. His first ring was earned with the 1985 Chicago Bears (Super Bowl XX) and a second with the 1990 New York Giants (Super Bowl XXV). Lastly, Dave found retirement from the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals after three years.
This fund was originated by Dave’s older brother Michael Timothy Duerson. Michael has a strong passion for this fund to succeed not only because of what happened to Dave, but also because Michael has hidden disabilities as a result of a concussion that he suffered while playing basketball at IUPUI in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1977 – which left him paralyzed on the left side for 6 months. Michael returned to play his 2nd year at IUPUI and suffered a career-ending injury. He has suffered from neurological and psychological issues which have become more pronounced as the years have passed. From the age of 30 to 53, Michael has been voluntarily hospitalized for these brain traumas 18 times. This is a huge driving factor for his passion for the new high-technology ImPACT Concussion Testing as a tool to assist the physician in the decision making process in regards to the athlete returning to play. He has received continued treatment for these diseases since age 18. Michael currently suffers from Accumulative Concussion Syndrome, in addition to the neurological problems. During these 23 years, Dave was Michael’s Medical Power of Attorney. In addition, Dave was also on the Board of Directors for the NFL Players Association for retired player’s disability. Both Michael and Dave have a strong affinity for the Muncie Community Schools. Subsequently, this fund is designed to aid Muncie Community School student athletes that have needs for which this fund has been designed.
