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Former Pro Snowboarder Shares Message Of Hope At HCMC

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Kevin Pearce competed for years as a professional snowboarder and dreamed of the Olympics before an accident in 2009 left him with traumatic brain injury.

His story is told in a documentary called the "Crash Reel," produced by HBO.

Today at Hennepin County Medical Center, Pearce met with patients suffering from traumatic brain trauma and offering his support and encouragement.

Related: "Crash Reel" Review

"Number one is to be patient, and number two is to not hit your head again," he said.

Pearce said although his injury was five years ago, he's still healing.

He started a nonprofit called Love Your Brain to raise awareness about the reality of brain injury.

In Minnesota, it's estimated that more than 100,000 people suffer brain injury, but many do not get treatment.

The documentary featuring Pearce will be shown at Edina High School Thursday at 7 p.m.

The public is welcome, and the screening is free.

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