SEATTLE — Bella Oishi looks like a healthy Seattle Prep sophomore, but she's living in pain from a soccer ball she took to the head three years ago in a state cup game. Now, the 16-year-old is set to share her concussion story to the National Council on Youth Sports Safety.
“When I got hit, I knew something was wrong but I wasn't sure what,” said Bella. “I didn't take myself out of the game. I finished and then at the end of the game I just started sobbing for no reason.”
She was diagnosed with a concussion and saw a doctor, but the pain hasn't stopped.
“I've had a headache since the hit, so I've had a headache for three years,” said Bella. “I do experience dizziness and light headedness.”
Janet Oishi said it’s been very difficult for her daughter.
“You know people give you a second glance and say it was just one hit,” said Janet. “Well, it was a really bad hit in the wrong spot, wrong time.”
Bella's doctors say she has Post-Concussion Syndrome, which typically goes away in three months. Bella’s hasn't. She's had two nerve decompression surgeries with more likely.
She can’t play soccer anymore, but she hasn't let it keep her down. Bella runs cross country and track for Seattle Prep and is on the swim team.
On Feb. 6, she’s headed to L.A. to take part in a forum for the National Council on Youth Sports Safety. Bella will share her story and hear from experts on youth concussions. Next fall, she’ll join other student athletes with similar experiences at a conference in Washington D.C.
“I think it's really important and good to play sports when you're young, but I think you really need to know the symptoms and when to come out of a game,” said Bella.
Janet says she hopes sharing their story will help some good come out of a tough situation. She wants parents and coaches to learn from their experience.
“That's our big thing,” said Janet. “Promoting sports and playing safe.”
Back in 2009, Washington passed the strictest youth sport concussion law in the country. Now if it's suspected a kid has a concussion, they have to be medically cleared to go back in the game. The phrase is “when in doubt, sit them out.”
Bella put it best when she said, “you can't sacrifice your brain for the team.”
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