Former BMX racer to talk concussions at Bay Path College

Date: 2/20/2014

LONGMEADOW – Former BMX racer Jason Fraga was no stranger to taking some hard knocks, quite literally.

After his ninth concussion from the extreme sport, Fraga was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome (PCS). Due to the severity of his concussions in close succession and the difficulty of his recovery, he was convinced to raise awareness of how to deal with the often-neglected yet destructive symptoms of PCS.

In November 2012, Fraga started The Knockout Project, to help educate parents and coaches on the acute dangers faced with concussion injuries. He no longer rides, but instead Fraga is a coach – helping to make others aware of how to hit these issues head on.

“I had known significant adversity before, but the misery and intensity of these prolonged PCS symptoms were unlike anything I’d ever experienced,” including those from previous concussions, Fraga noted.

With the help of friends and family, he stated that he was able to “lift myself out of the darkness and rediscover the competitor within. I resolved to help myself as well as others.”

Fraga has spoken at a number of schools and hospitals since starting his organization.

At Bay Path College on Feb. 27 at 8 p.m., Fraga will present “A Journey Through Concussion,” with valuable life lessons for athletes, their families, and the adults responsible for their safety.

The event is free and open to the public.

For additional information about “A Journey Through Concussion,” visit Bay Path College’s website, which is located at www.baypath.edu.