Kevin Pearce To Speak At Vail Fundraiser For Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors

Originally posted on SNOWBOARDER | By Josh Sullivan | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 1:39 PM ET

Kevin Pearce has always been outspoken about the trials and tribulations that have followed after he suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2009. On September 18, 2025, he’ll speak at a fundraising event for Heads Up For Hope in Vail.

The fundraiser will be held at the Vail Golf Course. Doors open at 5 p.m., and tickets cost $242. A sponsorship for a table of six will costs $2,000.

Pearce was a pro snowboarder gunning for a chance to compete at the Olympics when his life screeched to a halt. While training for Olympic trials in Park City, Utah, he took a massive slam in the halfpipe.

Despite wearing a helmet, Pearce was airlifted to the hospital. He was left in critical condition and a medically induced coma. His story is documented in the documentary “The Crash Reel.” It’s become mandatory viewing, not just for those in the snowboard world, but in classrooms for medical professionals in universities all across America.

Traumatic brain injuries – or TBIs – can often take time to show symptoms. Pearce suffered from things like memory loss and mood changes after his, which is chronicled in the documentary from Lucy Walker.

Since then, Pearce has become the co-founder of the LoveYourBrain Foundation. The nonprofit empowers those with brain injuries and caregivers to feel more resilient, and live fulfilling lives. It does so through online group meetings, trainings with clinicians and yoga instructors, and a learning lab. Nearly 3 million traumatic brain injuries occur each year.

Heads Up For Hope helps provide members with a safe, supportive, trigger free environment that allows people to share personal experiences, obstacles, treatments, and resources with others going through similar experiences. The group’s mission is to provide hope for both the injured and their caregivers.

“A brain injury is a hidden injury, but it can affect all of you. Heads Up for Hope offers a safe, informative atmosphere for sharing frustrations, challenges, difficulties with others who are also experiencing similar issues,” the group’s mission statement says. “Within the group, our members offer concrete ideas for managing daily life, exploring strategies for alternative ways to do things, celebrating accomplishments, and providing reassurances for a better day and a better life.”

You can purchase tickets here.

This article first appeared on SNOWBOARDER and was syndicated with permission.

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