The American Brain Foundation, a charity that aims to promote and invest in research across the whole spectrum of brain disease, chose Sidney Crosby to be the recipient of its 2020 Commitment to Cures Award for his efforts in raising concussion awareness.
The organization chose to recognizing Crosby for giving "fans and the public an intimate look into his concussion recovery" after his injury nearly a decade ago.
The organization announced the award in the form of his video, which chronicles some of Crosby's career highlights and recovery process from his concussion:
Crosby recorded a video message to accept his award.
"First, I want to say 'Hi' to everyone watching here tonight," he began. "I know a lot has changed over the last four or five weeks, and I'm sure with that, our perspectives have too. I hope for everyone good health, and I hope that we continue to help one another.
"I'd like to thank the American Brain Foundation for recognizing me for this honor. All the hard work and research that you guys put forward is so important to helping those who have had brain injuries. I know in my case, the support, everyone being there around me, everything that went into it was so important to me feeling better and getting back to where I wanted to be. So thank you for everything that you do.
"My friends and family were a huge support over the course of my injury. It wasn't always easy to relate. It wasn't always easy to explain a good day from a bad one. But they were always there to help and listen and support any way that they could. My team, the National Hockey League, and the National Hockey League Player's Association, and all the amazing doctors I was fortunate enough to work with, were also very instrumental to me getting better. One in particular, Dr. Carrick and his team, you guys were so encouraging and so optimistic from Day 1. To me, it wasn't a matter of 'if,' only a matter of 'when' I was going to get back on the ice. So thank you for that.
"Missing a year of hockey taught me a lot. In particular, to not take anything for granted. I thought I loved the game before I got hurt. And trust me, I loved the game. But I love it even more being able to come back and play the game that I love every day.
"I think there was important dialogue, important education that happened because of this injury. I think that moving forward we've gotten much better at educating ourselves and understanding what it is as far as necessary steps with concussions. Those are all such positive things. As much as I don't like to reflect and look back on it, I know there was a lot of good that came from it too. That, I'm certainly proud of.
"Lastly, I'd like to recognize a couple of people. First, Colby Cave who recently passed away due to complications from a brain bleed. Colby was 25 years old, living his dream of playing in the NHL. There's a memorial fund in his name, the Colby Cave Memorial Fund, if you want to know more about his story. My condolences go to his family.
"Secondly, I'd just like to congratulate ("Game of Thrones" actress and recipient of the Public Leadership in Neurology Award) Emilia Clarke for the amazing work that you've done and being recognized for this award, and for turning the adversity (two aneurysms) that you went through into an opportunity to help others. Congratulations, and thank you again to the American Brain Foundation for this award. I hope everyone stays healthy, and thank you again. I appreciate it."
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