Concussion Foundation to honor Mikita Friday for his help in studying CTE
The Concussion Legacy Foundation will honor Blackhawks legend Stan Mikita and his family with the Courage Award at the annual Chicago Honors event Friday at The Palmer House.
Mikita died last year at 78. Concussion Legacy Foundation CEO and co-founder Chris Nowinski, an Arlington Heights native, talked about Mikita's impact on the study of concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
"While he was alive and while he was well, he came to Boston and enrolled in one of our studies and then his family honored his wish to donate his brain when he passed away," Nowinski said. "He's the most famous hockey player to have his brain studied.
"He's been a leader in the community for his entire life and he made a significant contribution with his last act. We want to recognize that because without brain donations, we'll never have a treatment for this disease. We'll never understand how to protect our kids."
The event will also feature former Bears safety Gary Fencik and spotlight some Chicago families who have been impacted by severe brain injuries. The event is co-hosted by former Bears running back Mike Adamle and longtime Chicago news anchor Rob Johnson. Tickets are available at concussionfoundation.org.