Adam Pearce of Norwich, co-founder and executive director of the LoveYourBrain Foundation, has been named a 2023 CNN Hero, a year-round initiative that honors everyday people for their selfless, creative efforts to make the world a better place.
In 2010, Pearce stepped away from his career to provide full-time care to his brother, professional snowboarder Kevin Pearce, who suffered a near fatal traumatic brain injury, or TBI, while training for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The brothers' story was documented by Lucy Walker in the 2010 film "The Crash Reel."
In 2014, the Pearces founded the LoveYourBrain Foundation, with Adam assuming day-to-day leadership of the nonprofit. Under his direction, the foundation has grown to serve and train more than 35,000 individuals affected by TBI, including concussion, through free in-person and online programs and resources offered throughout the year. Pearce’s wife, Dr Kyla Pearce, serves as senior director of programs for the foundation.
"To be named a CNN Hero is deeply humbling and an honor — and in that, it's a reflection of my community,” said Pearce. “I look around at the thousands of people affected by TBI, including caregivers, who are supported by LoveYourBrain each year, and I see a community that represents the qualities of heroes."