Pitt Announces Foundation Named For 'Concussion' Doctor
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The University of Pittsburgh announced a foundation named for a pathologist at the center of Will Smith's new movie, "Concussion."
This is a day forensic pathologist Dr. Bennett Omalu has been looking forward to.
"It's a dream and that's how the Bennett Omalu Foundation was born," Dr. Bennett Omalu said.
The foundation was born with the help of Giannina Scott and the University of Pittsburgh. While the movie will create awareness of brain injuries and CTE, she doesn't want awareness to end there.
"The foundation will focus on finding a cure, providing care and helping families left in devastation," President and CEO of the Bennett Omalu Foundation Giannina Scott said.
She says research is key and the University of Pittsburgh is the perfect place to do that.
"Currently, the University of Pittsburgh is the only academic affiliate of the foundation. They may develop affiliations with other academic institutions," Dr. Nathan Urban with the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute said.
Dr. Omalu uncovered CTE in Pittsburgh. After that, he says it was a long road, creating awareness of the disease and its connection with head injuries and American football players.
"The road may have been long and windy and difficult. I was bruised. I was battered. But, that is the story of the greater American family." Dr. Omalu said. "I think this story, this movie, this CTE is actually pro NFL. It's giving the NFL what they need to continue making us happy and enhance the product."
The movie stars Will Smith who plays the role of Dr. Bennett Omalu and David Morse, who plays the role of former NFL football player Mike Webster.
"Concussion" opens nationwide on Christmas day.
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