Family Testimonials

In the last fifteen years of CTE research at Boston University, we have worked with over 1,500 brain donor families. We are grateful for their generous contributions to our research and their ongoing support of our work. Without them, this would not be possible.  

Below, you can read about the experiences our donor families have had with the BU CTE Center. 

If you have worked with us and would like to submit a testimonial, please email our Social Media & Digital Marketing Specialist Amanda Cabral at avcabral@bu.edu.

Daryl Adamson, father of Cameron Adamson, Corporal in the Marines (posthumously promoted to Sergeant in the Marine Corps Reserves)

“[The] BU CTE Center really [does] care! They help to provide the family necessary understanding and closure in a loved one’s death. The staff was incredibly friendly and professional, and knew the value of the gift we provided the center.”

To learn more about Cameron Adamson, read our full interview with his father, U.S. Navy Commander (retired) Daryl Adamson, here. 

Mike & Michele Grange, parents of Patrick Grange, the first American former soccer player to be diagnosed with CTE

“All of our experiences with the BU CTE Center have been consistently and exceptionally positive, supportive and informative. Everyone that we have dealt with all the way from secretaries – to doctors – have demonstrated the utmost compassion and empathy. We have always been treated with respect and have been shown much encouragement and also much gratitude – for our participation. Their expertise and drive is mind boggling. We could never thank them enough for ALL they do.”

To learn more about Patrick Grange and his CTE diagnosis, read our full interview with his parents Mike & Michele Grange here. 

Virginia Grimsley, wife of former NFL player John Grimsley

“Everyone was really nice. I was not really in a good head space, because when I came up there, I was still pretty devastated. It was pretty much a blur to me the first year. But working with everybody- Dr. McKee was wonderful, everybody was great. Whether we were speaking on the phone or in person, everybody was very respectful, very appreciative of everything. I have a lot of respect for everybody at Boston University in that program. They couldn’t have been any better, any nicer.”

To learn more about John Grimsley and his CTE diagnosis, read our full interview with his wife Virginia here. 

Chuck and Mary Hansen, parents of former college football player Evan Hansen

“We have had positive experiences with the BU CTE Center and the Concussion Legacy Foundation. They helped diagnose the damage that had been done to Evan’s brain, and have helped us to better understand the diseases that can result from concussions and RHIs.“

To learn more about Evan Hansen and his CTE diagnosis, read our full interview with his parents, Chuck and Mary, here. 

Brian and Shannon Lee, parents of former high school soccer player Ashlyn Lee

“I can’t say enough on how wonderful everyone has been. You absolutely feel the care and the concern in the words that are shared, in the tone of the voices of the people you talk to and in everything that they do. It’s like you can feel the love that they have for this work and the complete appreciation and gratitude that they make you feel for making this choice to share a part of your loved one with them. It is not taken lightly, that’s for sure, and you feel that.“

To learn more about Ashlyn Lee, read our full interview with her parents, Brian and Shannon, here. 

Lisa McHale, wife of former NFL player Tom McHale

“The people, the people! The dedication, the directorship of Dr. McKee, and the dedication of every one of the primary clinicians and pathologists. The hard work and dedication of Kerry Cormier in the lab. The research assistants who do such a phenomenal job of a very difficult role in working with families that are at a very challenging point in their lives. Of course, the social media people. I just believe so much in the passion and the dedication of this team. And again, it’s just been an honor and a privilege to be part of it.”

To learn more about Tom McHale and his CTE diagnosis, read our full interview with his wife Lisa here.

Janine and Karly Mulligan, mother and sister of former hockey player Drew Mulligan

“It was amazing from start to finish. I think they did an amazing job of handling such sensitive information. I also think you know, I’m no neurologist, but they made it very easy to explain the medical terms and to really understand what happened to your loved one. And I think above all the support does not just end after the diagnosis. It really is like a family. There’s a lot of support, there’s a lot of resources both before and after the diagnosis. And it was able to bring my family a lot of closure that we needed to get through a tough time.“

To learn more about Drew Mulligan and his CTE diagnosis, read our full interview with his mother and sister, Janine and Karly, here.