“I am here today because I am living with probably CTE ... a type of dementia associated with repeated head injuries,concussions or sub-concussions,” Lewis said.
“I have a platform,and I intend to use it at every opportunity to bring about change for all Australians,just like me,who are impacted by CTE,and to do whatever I can to protect the brains of Australian children from CTE.”
Lewis was joined by former Collingwood player Nathan Murphy,whoannounced his premature retirement from AFL this month at just 24 after he had struggled to overcome headaches,migraines and anxiety brought on by concussions.
The Queensland legend opened up on the daily struggles caused by his CTE,which he said impacts his personal and professional life.
“I don’t want anyone to have to live with the fear and anxiety that I live with every day of my lifetime,” he said.
“And be worried about what I’ve forgotten,not even knowing what it is that I’ve forgotten. The fear of what my future will look like,and living with the constant fear and anxiety that I’m certainly just about to let people down. The people who,all my life,have been able to rely on me and look to me for my strength and leadership.”