(NOV 30) SAO PAULO, BRAZIL.–
Eder Jofre, who died October 2, 2022, chose to donate his brain
to studies on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a
pathology formerly known as dementia pugilistica. The decision
was honored by his family, who announced the donation at a press
conference held on Thursday October, 20th at the office of
neurologist, Dr. Renato Anghinah, who managed Jofre’s treatment.
The studies will be performed by
Dr. Roberta Diehl Rodriguez from the Biobank for Aging Studies
at University of São Paulo, the only lab in Brazil equipped to
perform this exam. The study is funded in part by the Concussion
Legacy Foundation.
"Donating his brain to research to advance CTE studies is one of
the best things a fighter can do for the combat sports family,”
said Rose Gracie, co-founder of Fighting Foundation and director
of the Gracie Concussion Challenge, in collaboration with the
Concussion Legacy Foundation. “He led an incredible life and
furthers it with this incredible legacy.”
Jofre’s determination to contribute to research was motivated by
fellow boxer Muhammed Ali’s decision not to donate his brain
when he died. “Eder was very upset with Ali’s decision. That’s
when he was sure he would do it differently,” said Dr. Anghinah.
Jofre first began experiencing symptoms of CTE in 2010. The
symptoms intensified over the years, suffering from mood swings,
tremors, and limited mobility. CTE is a progressive
neurodegenerative disease caused by repetitive head impacts. It
has been diagnosed in nearly 1,000 contact sports athletes and
military veterans around the world. It was first seen in boxing,
which is why it was first named “punch drunk”.
In October 2018, Gracie advised the Concussion Legacy Foundation
on its Global Brain Bank partnership launch with the University
of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil. She continues to serve as a
liaison to support development, recruitment, and media efforts
for the CLF Global Brain Bank and the Biobank for Aging Studies
in Brazil. In January 2019, Gracie and the Concussion Legacy
Foundation launched the Gracie Concussion Challenge to
accelerate research and awareness for brain injury and CTE in
the combat sport community. Gracie continues this important work
through CLF and Fighting Foundation.
About The Concussion Legacy
Foundation
The Concussion Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization based in the United States with chapters in Canada,
the United Kingdom, and Australia. It was founded by Robert
Cantu, MD, and Chris Nowinski, PhD to support athletes,
veterans, and all affected by concussions and CTE, to promote
smarter sports and safer athletes through education and
innovation, and end CTE through prevention and research. CLF is
a proud supporter and collaborator with the Boston University
CTE Center.
About Fighting Foundation
Fighting Foundation, a charitable organization launched in 2021,
focuses on the well being of boxing, MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, and other
combat sports’ participants. Co-founders Rose Gracie and Carla
Duran, along with Lawyer Erik Magraken and with the guidance of
Neurologist Dr. Renato Anghinah, were driven to action after
recognizing a noticeable void in the combat sports space.
Providing education, research, resources, and treatment around
the world to those that need it within the combat sports
community.
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