Who was Patrick Anderson from Raleigh, NC. How did brain trauma impact his life. What can we learn from his story about concussions and their long-term effects. How did Patrick’s joyful nature shape his relationships and experiences.
The Early Years: A Glimpse into Patrick’s Vibrant Personality
Patrick Anderson was a remarkable young man from Raleigh, NC, whose life was tragically cut short due to the long-term effects of brain trauma. His story, as shared by his mother LeeAnn Anderson, offers a poignant look at the impact of concussions and the importance of understanding their potential consequences.
From a very young age, Patrick exhibited a mischievous and joyful nature that endeared him to those around him. His mother recalls a particular incident when Patrick, at just three years old, decided to pee off the upper floor landing, causing both shock and laughter among his family members. This early display of his playful spirit set the tone for the kind of person Patrick would grow up to be.
Patrick’s Unique Approach to Life and Friendship
As Patrick grew older, his ability to make people laugh became one of his defining characteristics. He approached life with a sense of spontaneity and humor that was infectious. One memorable incident involved Patrick unexpectedly tackling a giant Jenga game in a local park, much to the amusement of his friends and the bewilderment of the game’s players.
Patrick’s kindness and compassion were equally notable. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life, approaching strangers with warmth and genuine interest. His mother describes how Patrick “didn’t see the color of their skin, or the clothes they were wearing, he saw the individual.” This open-hearted approach to human interaction allowed Patrick to form deep and lasting friendships throughout his life.
A Natural Athlete: Patrick’s Love for Adventure and Sports
Patrick’s physical abilities were evident from a young age, earning him the nickname “Monkeyboy” for his propensity to climb anything he deemed manageable. His mother’s parenting style encouraged this spirit of discovery, fostering confidence and independence in her son.
As Patrick grew, he developed a passion for both team and solo sports. His athletic pursuits included:
- Skimboarding (eventually mastering backflips off his board)
- Skateboarding
- Football (in elementary school)
- Kiteboarding
- Wakeboarding
- Snowboarding (his favorite, starting at age nine)
Patrick’s love for snowboarding was particularly significant. His mother recalls taking him to Peak 8 in Breckenridge for the first time, where despite initial trepidation, Patrick quickly became hooked on the sport. This experience exemplified Patrick’s willingness to embrace challenges and push his boundaries.
The Importance of Diverse Experiences
Patrick’s involvement in a predominantly African American football team during elementary school provided him with valuable life lessons. It taught him about feeling isolated and different, experiences that shaped his empathetic nature and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Despite the challenges, Patrick formed strong bonds with his teammates, contributing to their city championship victories two years in a row.
The Impact of Concussions: A Hidden Threat to Patrick’s Well-being
While Patrick’s athletic pursuits brought him joy and fulfillment, they also exposed him to the risk of brain trauma. The first diagnosed concussion occurred during his sophomore year of high school when he accidentally hit his head on a concrete parking lot curb. Although concussion protocol was followed, and Patrick was cleared to return to sports after two weeks, this incident marked the beginning of a series of head injuries that would ultimately have devastating consequences.
Do concussions always show immediate symptoms? Not necessarily. While Patrick complained of occasional headaches following his first concussion, medical check-ups at the time did not reveal any significant concerns. However, as we now know, the cumulative effect of multiple concussions can lead to long-term neurological issues, even when individual incidents seem minor.
The Importance of Specialized Care
Looking back, Patrick’s mother expresses regret at not seeking care from a concussion specialist. This highlights the critical need for increased awareness about the potential long-term effects of brain trauma and the importance of specialized medical attention following head injuries.
Patrick’s Vibrant Social Life: The Heart of a Community
Despite the challenges he faced, Patrick continued to be a magnetic presence in his social circle. His non-judgmental attitude and thirst for adventure drew people to him, creating what his mother describes as a “tribe” rather than just a group of friends.
Patrick’s home became a hub of activity, with friends constantly gathering there. This vibrant social life was a testament to Patrick’s ability to create a sense of community and belonging among his peers. The absence of this energy following Patrick’s passing has left a noticeable void in the family home, particularly during the times when he would typically be present.
The Progression of Brain Trauma: A Silent Threat
Patrick’s history of concussions continued into his senior year of high school when he was sucker-punched while trying to break up a fight. This incident likely compounded the neurological damage from his previous head injuries.
Can repeated concussions lead to long-term neurological issues? Yes, research has shown that multiple concussions, especially when not properly treated or given adequate time to heal, can result in chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other serious neurological conditions.
The Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment
Patrick’s story underscores the critical need for proper diagnosis and treatment of concussions, especially in young athletes. It also highlights the importance of educating parents, coaches, and athletes about the potential long-term consequences of brain trauma and the need for specialized care following head injuries.
Remembering Patrick: A Legacy of Joy and Compassion
While Patrick’s life was tragically cut short, his legacy lives on through the memories of those who knew and loved him. His story serves as both a celebration of a life lived with passion and joy, and a cautionary tale about the hidden dangers of brain trauma.
Patrick’s ability to bring laughter, form deep connections, and approach life with unbridled enthusiasm touched countless lives. His mother’s account paints a picture of a young man who embraced life’s adventures, valued diverse friendships, and spread joy wherever he went.
Lessons from Patrick’s Life
What can we learn from Patrick’s story? Several important lessons emerge:
- The importance of embracing life with joy and openness
- The value of forming diverse and meaningful relationships
- The need for increased awareness about the long-term effects of concussions
- The critical importance of proper medical care following head injuries
- The lasting impact one individual can have on a community
Moving Forward: Honoring Patrick’s Memory Through Awareness and Action
Patrick Anderson’s story is a powerful reminder of the need for greater understanding and action regarding brain trauma, particularly in young athletes. His experience highlights the importance of taking concussions seriously and seeking specialized care, even when symptoms seem minor.
How can we honor Patrick’s memory and help prevent similar tragedies? There are several ways:
- Advocating for better concussion protocols in schools and sports programs
- Supporting research into the long-term effects of brain trauma
- Educating ourselves and others about the signs and symptoms of concussions
- Encouraging a culture of safety in sports without diminishing the joy of athletic pursuits
- Sharing stories like Patrick’s to raise awareness and promote understanding
By taking these steps, we can work towards a future where fewer families have to experience the loss that the Anderson family has endured. Patrick’s life, though too short, can serve as a catalyst for positive change in how we approach brain health and safety in sports.
The Ongoing Impact of Patrick’s Story
Patrick Anderson’s legacy extends beyond his immediate circle of family and friends. Through the sharing of his story by the Concussion Legacy Foundation, his experience continues to educate and inspire others. It serves as a poignant reminder of the potential consequences of brain trauma and the need for ongoing research and improved protocols in sports and beyond.
As we reflect on Patrick’s life, we are reminded of the importance of living fully, loving deeply, and being mindful of the hidden risks that can accompany even the most joyful pursuits. His story challenges us to approach life with the same openness and enthusiasm that Patrick exhibited, while also advocating for greater awareness and protection against the dangers of brain trauma.
In remembering Patrick Anderson, we are called to celebrate the vibrant spirit that touched so many lives and to work towards a future where such promising young lives are not cut short by preventable injuries. His story, filled with both joy and tragedy, serves as a powerful testament to the enduring impact one individual can have on the world around them.
Patrick Anderson | Concussion Legacy Foundation
A HISTORY OF BRAIN TRAUMA, AND THE DEATH OF OUR JOYFUL BOY
By LeeAnn Anderson
Image
My earliest recollection of glimpsing Patrick’s true nature; mischievous jokester, lover of life, occurred at age three. Patrick decided it would be funny if he peed off the upper floor landing while his sister and I were standing in the hall on the first floor. He was giggling and grinning from ear to ear. Seconds after the shockwave came and went, the three of us were crying with laughter. Patrick could be so random! Like the time in high school he asked his friend to pull over while driving through a local park. Patrick jumped out of the car and ran over to a group of folks playing a giant game of Jenga. Without stopping or saying a word he tackled the game pieces rolled across the grass and trotted back to his friends! The video is hilarious. The shockwave for those folks lasted a little longer than a few seconds, his friends are in the car busting a gut! Making people laugh was Patrick’s passion.
Image
Patrick was beautiful. Kind and compassionate, he made friends easily. Patrick approached strangers like he wanted to be treated; with a smile, eye contact and a warm handshake. He didn’t see the color of their skin, or the clothes they were wearing, he saw the individual. Patrick was also blessed with natural physical abilities, instinctively aware of his physical boundaries from a very early age. “Monkeyboy” was his acquired nickname as he would literally climb anything deemed manageable by his young persona, which was most things. We were a good match, my parenting style encouraged discovery. If he felt physically capable of a feat, I rarely ever told him no. Believing in the “Art of Possibility” to build confidence in my children, I trusted their internal instincts.
Image
As Patrick grew older, he ventured into team sports but also had a passion for solo sports. Skimboarding was a favorite from an early age, he eventually acquired the skill to backflip off his skimboard while taking a wave.
For obvious reasons this practice was not my favorite. In elementary school a skateboard was his favorite mode of transportation. Confidence, independence, and comfort in his own skin were all traits Patrick displayed from an early age. Patrick played football in the fourth and fifth grade. Being on a team with all African American boys, Patrick learned how it felt to be isolated, how it felt to be the kid that looked different. Navigating “how do I fit in” was an incredible lesson that Patrick never forgot. Patrick was loved by his teammates and he loved them back; he became their friend, their brother. The Tigers won the city championship two years in a row! When my sister asked him in middle school why he didn’t play football anymore he said, “it made my head hurt.”
Image
Patrick started kiteboarding and wakeboarding when he was 13, but his favorite was snowboarding which he started when he was nine. I’ll never forget the look on his face the first time I took him up to Peak 8 in Breckenridge.
When he saw the drop into the bowl for the first time, he looked at me like I was the crazy one. I looked him in the eye and told him, “you have this, just follow me and you’ll do great.” Not only did he do great, he was hooked.
Patrick was my adventure buddy. We were adrenaline junkies. From the time he was little, it was always the two of us on family vacations jumping off cliffs/waterfalls and my husband and daughter watching and taking pictures.
Image
Patrick didn’t just have friends; he had a tribe. Kids naturally gravitated towards his non-judgmental attitude. His kind, compassionate nature along with his sense of humor and thirst to find the possibilities in every day was like a light to a moth. Kids were always at our house. The older he got the bigger the group became. I loved having them. Now that Patrick is gone, there is a quietness about the house during the months that he would naturally be home. It’s weird and it takes some getting used to. I play music to keep it from being so noticeable.
Image
A HISTORY OF CONCUSSIONS
When Patrick was a sophomore in high school, he received his first diagnosed concussion. He was running and somehow tripped and hit his head on a concrete parking lot curb. Banged up pretty badly, we took him to urgent care, then to a private doctor the next day. His lacrosse coach was notified and concussion protocol was followed. Two weeks later he was cleared to practice and play with the team. He complained of headaches from time to time but when I took him to the doctor everything checked out OK. If I knew then what I know now, I would have taken him to a doctor who specializes in concussions.
Patrick’s senior year, he was sucker punched while trying to pull a boy off one of his best friends during an attack. It was dark and Patrick didn’t see the other kid coming. At 6’ 1”, Patrick fell backwards hard and was knocked out cold. Another boy who was there said Patrick was unconscious for about a minute.
A third concussion occurred the summer before he started his freshman year at Appalachian State University.
Patrick and friends were wakeboarding on a trip to the beach, he wiped out, and the board hit him in the head. He was unconscious in the water for a few seconds. He didn’t go see a doctor after this incident and didn’t make us aware that it even happened until much later in the summer. We found a prescription for Ibuprofen amongst his things, he apparently was still having headaches from time to time.
Image
The last day Patrick was alive was Valentine’s Day 2019. This seems appropriate to me given his ability to love deeply. Other than being Valentine’s Day, it seemed to be a normal day for him at school. We texted back and forth, I sent him $50 and a funny pair of socks for the holiday. My husband talked to him several times that afternoon. He sent a funny picture of himself wearing protective goggles during a routine medical exam with a goofy smile on his face like he was in mid laughter! He put his deposit down on his apartment for the following year and he paid for his spring break trip.
Later that evening Patrick met up with his friends at the “cabin,” a regular hang out spot in Boone, NC. On his way out of the dorm, he ran into his good friend Hannah. She said they chatted for several minutes, caught up, and exchanged hugs before Patrick began his walk.
That night, the boys without girlfriends hung out, drank a few beers, started goofing around and being silly. At some point they started to joke-wrestle with each other. Patrick and another boy ended up falling over the porch railing and down a slight hill. They both said they were OK and the fun resumed. At 10:30 p.m. Patrick asked a girl to an upcoming formal, she said yes. Being a school night, the boys disbanded around 11:30 p.m. Patrick was there with his very best friend Palmer, who he said goodnight to and then walked back to his dorm alone.
There is video footage of Patrick walking into the dorm at 12:10 a.m. His roommate JT wasn’t yet home, he had fallen asleep in another friend’s dorm room.
Video footage shows JT entering the dorm at approximately 3:00 a.m. Two minutes later 911 was called. JT tried to revive Patrick but he was gone.
No note, nothing in a text message, or email. Nothing in his sketchbook, no dark poetry. The police interviewed over 20 kids, not one said they noticed that Patrick was different, withdrawn, not himself. We, his family, had just spent 10 days in Belize over Christmas break. My husband bought us all tickets to go see Justin Timberlake in concert. We went to see the latest Marvel movie, Patrick’s favorite. Spent time just hanging around the house together. Everything seemed normal.
So, what happened? Why did this carefree kid, who loved his family, had multiple tribes, and felt blessed to be a part of this college experience at App State suddenly end his life?
This doesn’t make any sense. I realize that suicide survivors often say the same thing about their loved one that has passed. I strongly feel something is out of place. Intuitively, I would have known something was going on with Patrick.
We were too close, there is no way I wouldn’t have felt an underlying pain if Patrick was hiding something.
BRAIN TRAUMA AND PATRICK: WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED.
Concussions, brain trauma and CTE had recently come into focus as more and more research, documentaries, and athletes stepped forward. With that in mind, my focus started to shift to Patrick’s past concussions and the fall he took the night he died. I remember thinking, the fall must have been significant because several of the boys mentioned it to me the day of his service. Was it possible that he hit his head that night during the fall and reinjured a part of his brain that had been previously damaged? While he was alone in his dorm room in the middle of the night did his brain experience an aneurism, did it short circuit somehow?
I connected with several psychic mediums to try and find answers. Through that process, I was able to communicate with Patrick and learn he felt very intense pressure deep in his head that night.
He couldn’t process how dangerous his actions were and thought an escape from the pain would mean sleep, not death. This revelation was incredibly significant.
Image
My goal in sharing my journey in connecting with my son after his death is to highlight the connection between brain trauma and suicide. Studies show suffering just one concussion doubles your risk of suicide. Even without any history of depression or observable changes in mood, it’s important for everyone to understand the potential link. Patrick wasn’t depressed, he was hopeful and full of life. Something happened in his brain that night that can’t fully be explained, not yet. My hope is there will be more research and more questions will be asked like, did the deceased recently experience a fall that could have damaged their brain? Was the deceased healing from a recent concussion? Unless this knowledge is documented, how can it be researched? How will we as a society be aware of the danger without awareness and education?
Click here to donate to the Anderson family fundraiser in memory of Patrick Anderson.
Suicide is preventable and help is available. If you are concerned that someone in your life may be suicidal, the five #BeThe1To steps are simple actions anyone can take to help someone in crisis. If you are struggling to cope and would like some emotional support, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 to connect with a trained counselor. It’s free, confidential, and available to everyone in the United States. You do not have to be suicidal to call.
Are you or someone you know struggling with lingering concussion symptoms? We support patients and families through the CLF HelpLine, providing personalized help to those struggling with the outcomes of brain injury. Submit your request today and a dedicated member of the Concussion Legacy Foundation team will be happy to assist you.
This story adheres to the Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide from reportingonsuicide.org
Patrick Anderson – Cross Country
Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content
Schedule
2022 Cross Country Roster
-
Bio -
Related -
Historical
Biography
Majoring in environmental studies .
.. Named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll for 2020-21 and 2021-22 … Recipient of the men’s cross country 2020-21 Strength & Conditioning Newcomer Award
2023 T&F: Competed in the mile, 3K and 5K during indoor season … Top 3,000-meter time was 8:09.50 to finish eighth at the Penn State National Invitational … Finished 23rd at the ACC Indoor Championship in the 5,000 meters (in 14:17.21) and 29th in the 3,000 meters (8:13.44).
2022 XC: Earned All-ACC and All-NCAA Southeast Regional honors … Finished 15th at the ACC Championships, finishing the 8K race in 23:20.8 … Crossed the tape in sixth place at the NCAA Southeast Regional, finishing the 10K race in 29:59.1 … Was 113th at the NCAA Championships, finishing the 10K in 30:21.0 … His best 8K finish of the year was 23:04.4, a second-place finish in the Paul Short Run on Sept. 30.
2022 T&F: During the indoor season, won the 5000m at the Indiana Relays in 14:00.
87, the second-fastest time in school history … Also won the 3000m at the Darius Dixon Invitational (7:54.64) … During the outdoor season, competed in the 5000m and 10,000m at NCAA Preliminaries … Second-team All-ACC in the 10,000 meters … Named to the All-ACC Academic Team for outdoors
2021 XC: Placed second at the season-opening Charlotte Opener (14:50.1) … Placed 26th at ACC Championships, 21st at NCAA Regionals and 108th at NCAA Championships … Earned All-Southeast Region honors … Named to the All-ACC Academic Team
2021 TF: Placed third in men’s 10,000 meters at ACC Outdoor Championships to earn first team All-ACC honors … NCAA First Round qualifier in the men’s 5,000 meters … Named to the All-ACC Academic Team for men’s outdoor track & field … Earned USTFCCCA All-Academic for the 2021 track season
2020 XC: Fourth among Tar Heels and 42nd overall at ACC Championships (24:12.1) .
.. Led the Tar Heels and placed third overall vs. Wake Forest and NC State on Oct. 16, covering the 8K course in 24:49.71
Before UNC: Graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School … Two-time state champion in cross country (2018, 2019) … 2019 Foot Locker Northeast Champion … 2019 Foot Locker Finals bronze medalist … 2018 Foot Locker finalist (29th place) … 2019 New Balance Nationals All-American in the outdoor mile (sixth place)
More on Anderson: Son of Meghan and Todd Anderson
TFRRS Results
Historical Player Information
-
2020Freshman
-
2021Sophomore
-
2021Sophomore
-
2022Junior
We Educate and Inspire Through Athletics
© 2023 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Athletics
Jeff Skinner getting ready for a tough game
Author
Heather Angel
@nhlrussia
/ NHL.
com Correspondent
BUFFALO – Jeff Skinner doesn’t know what’s in store for him.
The Buffalo Sabers forward will play against the Carolina Hurricanes, his former team, for the first time. The game will take place at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina on Friday (Saturday, 03:30 GMT).
Skinner spent his first eight NHL seasons with the Hurricanes. On August 2, 2018, he was traded to the Buffalo Buffalo for forward Cliff Poo and three draft picks. The hockey player hopes that the game will be interesting, but it will not be easy.
“Of course I will. It’s part of the game, of life,” Skinner said.
Video: BAF-ANA: Skinner dealt with the goaltender spectacularly
Sabers coach Phil Housley understands Skinner well because he’s been in that situation himself.
Houseley played the first nine seasons for Buffalo, and then there was an exchange, and on January 4, 19At 91, he played for the first time against the Sabres with the Winnipeg Jets.
“You can prepare for this match as much as you like, but until you get on the ice, you start playing against former teammates, you will worry,” Houseley said. “He needs to go through this. We understand that this match is very is important to him. So we are doing everything to help him cope with emotions. On the other hand, this is an interesting moment for him. So far, he is doing great work, he has become a good partner, plays efficiently, does everything that is asked of him. We need to support him in Carolina.”
Skinner was selected by the Carolinas with the seventh overall pick in the 2010 draft. He didn’t know what was in store for him at Buffalo when the trade took place. But he was received very warmly. “Since then, everything has been great,” he says.
Skinner easily fit into the new team.
He spent most of the season on the left side of the top three with center Jack Eichel. Skinner currently ranks first with the Sabres in goals scored (29) and second in the NHL behind Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. In scoring (42) Skinner is second in Buffalo (Ikel – 49).
With that performance, Skinner can score 55 goals and 80 points, breaking two personal bests of 37 goals in 2016-17 and 63 points in 2010-11 and 2016-17.
“When you start playing with such a talented and technical partner, everything becomes easier,” Skinner said of Eichel. adapt. It’s very interesting to watch him every day in training or games. I see what he does and how he does it.”
[See also: Eichel could play against Carolina]
Understands Skinner and Jason Pominville. After playing 578 games for the Sabers, he scored a goal against a former team on October 14, 2013, already a player for the Minnesota Wild. In the summer of 2017, a reverse exchange took place, and on November 22, 2017, Pominville scored the puck against the Minnesota.
“Take this moment for granted, enjoy it,” says Pominville. “You have to prepare for this game like any other. He will be teased, he will meet many acquaintances. In fact, it all started already on Thursday. It’s interesting. The guys like that kind of thing. You have to get through it, then it gets easier and you can move on. But the first game will always be special.”
Extend
Carolina will do anything to sign Hamilton
Author
Kurt Dusterberg
@NHLrussia
/ NHL.com Independent Correspondent
ROLIES (North Carolina State) – Dougie Hamilton is set to extend his contract with the Carolina Hurricanes despite the club allowing him to negotiate contracts with other teams last month.
“Our #1 challenge is to sign him,” general manager Don Waddell said on Saturday. “Nothing has changed in that regard. Both sides agree that the issue should be resolved before free agency opens (July 28) because “We’ll need a quarterback if that doesn’t happen. We can’t afford to wait for Dougie to make a decision. We want him to stay on the team and hopefully close this week.”
The Hurricanes have allowed Hamilton’s agent JP Barry to negotiate with other teams for a possible trade and contract. The hockey player will be able to sign an eight-year contract without entering the unrestricted free agent market. If this happens, the maximum term of the new agreement will be seven years.
[Follow us on VKontakte, Facebook and Twitter for more NHL exclusive content and news!]
Waddell plans to talk to Barry on Sunday.
“I think they know what the market is like, what he can get there,” Waddell said. what he thinks about it.
It’s all up to JP and me. We have to agree on a win-win deal. I think we can do it. Maybe somewhere else he will get more, but we are talking about a team that “He wants to win the Cup. We need resources across the lines to put together the best lineup. We have our thoughts on Dougie. He knows what he’s talking about. We’ve made him an offer and we’ll stick to the course we’ve set.”
Hamilton has played for the Carolinas for the last three seasons. He was traded to this team on June 23, 2018 from the Calgary Flames.
In each of these championships, the 28-year-old became the Hurricanes’ top scoring defenseman. At the end of last season, he shared seventh place in the league among defense players with 42 (10 + 32) points, playing in 55 games. This year he also set a personal best for powerplay points with 18.
In 11 Stanley Cup games last season, Hamilton scored five (2+3) points. The Carolinas (36-12-8) finished first in the Discover Central Division at the end of the regular season, but lost 1-4 to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the playoffs.
