Brain Donation Registry

The VA CSTE Brain Donation Registry was established in 2008 to advance research on the effects of trauma on the brain and spinal cord.

The CSTE Brain Donation Registry allows current and former athletes and military personnel to pledge to donate their brain and spinal cord to the BU CSTE after death.

The identity of donors is confidential and protected by both IRB rules and HIPAA laws. However, many donors have chosen to allow the CSTE to release their names to draw attention to this important work. Learn the names of the athletes who have agreed to make their participation public

“One of the most profound actions I can take personally is to donate my brain to help ensure the safety and welfare of active, retired, and future athletes for decades to come.”
- Sean Morey, retired NFL player, SLI Brain Donor

“The Gilchrist family wants to thank the Doctors and Staff at the Sports Legacy Institute and the Boston University Center for the study of Traumatic Encephalopathy for their tireless work in researching the effects of repeated head trauma. The research they are conducting will undoubtedly improve the lives of future generations of athletes, at all levels of competition, from childhood to the professional ranks. The results from the research conducted by the study also provide needed closure for many families. Many former athletes and their families have suffered in silence from the effects of CTE. While the Athlete suffers the physical effects of CTE, their family and friends suffer emotionally watching their loved ones fade away, with symptoms that range from episodes of forgetfulness to violent outbursts. Soon the person that they knew, no longer exists. The families go from being wives, sons or daughters to becoming caretakers. For many that have played contact sports, prior to the movement and research started by the Center for the study of Traumatic Encephalopathy, it is too late to protect them from the harmful effects of CTE. But their families can now be well informed and prepared for how to handle what lies before them. We highly recommend that, if possible, all families of former athletes take part in the study’s brain donation program. Only through continued research will they truly be able to protect the future generations of athletes.” – Testimonial from the family of former NFL player, Cookie Gilchrist

For additional information about the CSTE or  how to participate in current or future research studies, contact:
Christine Baugh
Research Coordinator
617-638-6143
cbaugh@bu.edu