THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY BRIGGS AND KNOWLES, JUNE 24, 2011

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, JUNE 24, 2011  

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing the month of July 2011 as the "We (Heart) Brain

Month" in Pennsylvania.

WHEREAS, Thousands of youth athletes across this Commonwealth

each year experience concussions and traumatic brain injuries

while playing sports; and

WHEREAS, If not treated properly, such injuries can lead to

dramatic lifelong or life-threatening complications; and

WHEREAS, Increased awareness about concussions and traumatic

brain injuries amongst youth, coaches, parents and medical

professionals can help reduce the number of traumatic injuries

that take place in this Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, John Gonoude of King of Prussia experienced multiple

brain injuries that ended his high school football career and

almost ended his life; and

WHEREAS, Tracy Yatsko of Tamaqua experienced multiple brain

injuries that ended her high school basketball career and almost

ended her life; and

WHEREAS, John Gonoude and Tracy Yatsko have admirably

dedicated their time and efforts to educating young athletes

across this Commonwealth to learn from their experiences and

protect their brains; and

WHEREAS, Save Your Brain's "We (Heart) Brain" campaign is

working to raise awareness of the concussion epidemic in youth

sports and to teach young athletes how to protect their brains;

and

WHEREAS, The House of Representatives is adopting this

resolution in order to recognize the efforts of John Gonoude and

Tracy Yatsko to protect young athletes in Pennsylvania and

across the nation; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the

month of July 2011 as the "We (Heart) Brain Month" in

Pennsylvania.