Partnerships and Projects
The Legacy of a Teammate Award
In 2024, One Last Goal partnered with Nichols School to establish an annual award honoring a student who exemplifies the character and spirit of Matthew Benedict. The "Legacy of a Teammate Award" inspires student-athletes to embrace profound team responsibilities, emphasizing ongoing growth beyond scoreboard statistics. It reinforces that true sportsmanship transcends the field, promoting enduring responsibilities, daily interactions, mutual respect, and unwavering team support. This award goes to the exceptional teammate who spreads the importance of physical and mental health and wellness, along with kindness and understanding. Aimed at inspiring dedication, the award encourages future generations to value teamwork, unity, and the lasting impact of selfless support. Through this award, we aim to cultivate a culture where being an exceptional teammate becomes a legacy passed on to those who follow.
Campus partnerships
We’re passionate about working with and for students.
Summer 2025: We will offer another opportunity for a college student to intern at the Concussion Legacy Foundation. Stay tuned for details.
Summer 2024: We provided an internship opportunity for a ‘25 Middlebury College neuroscience major at the Concussion Legacy Foundation. She shared, "This experience has not only strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in healthcare, particularly in concussion research, but also deepened my appreciation for advocacy work."
Summer 2023: Two college student interns (funded in part by One Last Goal) worked with Dr. Ann McKee at the Boston University CTE Center. We support research into the mental health impact of repetitive head trauma on young athletes and were proud to assist in advancing this critical work.
Summer 2022: In partnership with Middlebury College and the Concussion Legacy Foundation, we funded a summer internship to support their mission to advance concussion research, education, and athlete safety.
Spring 2022: We funded Project Connect at Erie Community College, a social belongingness project promoting student connection. Matthew often spoke of the power of connection in improving mental health, urging us to "Start the Conversation Now… Life is Precious."
Summer 2021: In Matthew’s name, we funded half of an internship at Middlebury College focused on mental health, concussion research, and neuroscience, supporting students pursuing careers in these fields.
Spring/Fall 2021: We collaborated with the University at Buffalo and Hillinski’s Hope Foundation to bring the “H3H” program to campus. This initiative, in partnership with the NCAA Sports Science Institute, works to eliminate stigma and enhance mental wellness programs for student-athletes.
2020-2023: We proudly sponsored ProjectConnect at Middlebury College, focusing on building community and connection among students to improve mental health and well-being, echoing Matthew's belief in the importance of deep connection.
“Start the conversation now...life is precious.”
Scholarship
The communities we work with are home to extraordinary students who are leaders in their schools, towns, teams, and classrooms. We’d love to get to know you better - and to help you pursue your college degree.
Speaker series
One Last Goal’s speaker series will bring guests with expertise and experience in the fields of mental health and brain health to schools and universities across New York state. They’ll share their stories and the resources that have helped them in their journey.
Spring 2024
Introducing the "#37 Journey"
Description: The "#37 Journey," an initiative dedicated to Matthew, who played three helmet sports year round for over 10 years, and while in college wore #37, faced two concussions in one football game as a junior, and tragically never recovered. Join us at the 10th Annual International International Concussion Summit on May 2nd and 3rd, 2024, in Niagara Falls, Ontario as we advance our mission and we send 37 participants on this journey to explore the most recent research in neuroscience and the latest advancements in treatment and prevention for athletes dealing with concussions or repetitive head impacts.
Why Attend? Whether you're a doctor, trainer, student, psychologist, coach, parent, or athlete, please consider the opportunity to dig into the forefront of concussion research at the 10th Annual International Concussion Summit. Engage with world-renowned researchers and speakers and enrich your understanding of this critical field to help your athletes or yourself. Spend a day and a half networking with peers against the breathtaking backdrop of Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Limited Admissions: Don't miss this chance as registrations are filling up. We still have a limited number of complimentary admissions to this event. To secure your spot, reach out to us at matthewbenedictsonelastgoal@gmail.com or call us at 716-992-9533.
Act Now - Register Early: Given the conference's sell-out history, ensure your participation by registering early. Make your mark in the journey towards comprehensive concussion solutions.
Spring 2023
Unfortunately, we hit a snag in finding an adequete venue for Dr. Chris Nowinski from the Concussion Legacy Foundation to speak to the Western New York Community this April. Dr. Nowinski is a neuroscientist, author, and co-founded the Boston University CTE Center.
October 4, 2021
One Last Goal hosted Ross Szabo, an Award-winning speaker, mental health advocate, and author of Behind Happy Faces, at four different throughout the Buffalo area. Read about this special day in “News”.
April 25th, 2021
One Last Goal has provided funding for Ross Szabo to speak in a virtual setting to the Middlebury College student-athletes. Ross will be sharing his story and will be talking about the importance of taking care of one’s mental health and speaking up when struggling.
Sunday, April 25, 2021, 7:30 PM via Zoom webinar
March 3, 2021
BEHIND the MASK
presented by The Maria Love Fund
in partnership with One Last Goal Foundation A Community Mental Health Forum featuring
Author Ross Szabo, Behind Happy Faces
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
7:00 PM via ZOOM Webinar
Introducing the #37 Journey
Description: The "#37 Journey," an initiative dedicated to Matthew, who started his journey in contact sports at the age of 4, participating in three helmet sports year-round for over 10 years. Throughout his college years, he proudly wore the #37 jersey, yet encountered adversity when he experienced two concussions in a single football game during his junior year. Regrettably, he never fully recovered from that fateful game. Join us at the 10th Annual International International Concussion Summit on May 2nd and 3rd, 2024, in Niagara Falls, Ontario as we advance our mission and we send 37 special participants on this journey to explore the most recent research in neuroscience and the latest advancements in treatment and prevention for athletes dealing with concussions or repetitive head impacts.
Why Attend? Whether you're a doctor, trainer, student, psychologist, coach, parent, or athlete, please consider the opportunity to dig into the forefront of concussion research at the 10th Annual International Concussion Summit. Engage with world-renowned researchers and speakers and enrich your understanding of this critical field to help your athletes or yourself. Spend a day and a half networking with peers against the breathtaking backdrop of Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Limited Admissions: Don't miss this chance as registrations are filling up. We still have a limited number of complimentary admissions to this event. To secure your spot, reach out to us at matthewbenedictsonelastgoal@gmail.com or call/text us at 716-992-9533.
Act Now - Register Early: Given the conference's sell-out history, ensure your participation by registering early. Make your mark in the journey towards comprehensive concussion solutions.
The heartbreaking experience of losing our son Matthew to suicide has driven us to join a campaign calling on the CDC to educate parents and others about the dangers associated with repetitive head impacts (RHI) in children.
We are reaching out to request your support by signing our letter, which outlines the critical need for increased awareness and proactive measures to address the risks associated with RHI in young athletes. Your signature can make a significant impact, and you can add your support by clicking on the following link: Support Letter
Our campaign is fueled by recent studies that underscore the severity of the issue:
1. A study examining alterations in cerebral blood flow in 14-year-old athletes revealed that changes resulting from RHI could potentially contribute to long-term adverse outcomes in contact athletes. The study also highlighted declines in verbal memory and visual motor speed in contact sport athletes, emphasizing the cognitive impact of RHI.
2. Another study , employing the "Bradford Hill criteria," established a direct link between RHI and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), particularly among children. Athletes in contact sports were found to face a 68-fold greater risk of developing CTE, emphasizing the urgency of preventive measures and a shift from "association" to "causation" in discussions.
3. A study indicated that pediatric concussion patients face an increased risk of developing mental health problems, engaging in self-harm, and requiring psychiatric hospitalization compared to those with orthopedic injuries.
4. From the BU Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Center, a study revealed that among 152 young athletes exposed to RHI and under the age of 30 at the time of their death, 41.4% showed neuropathological evidence of CTE.
Your time and consideration in this crucial matter are greatly appreciated.
We sincerely hope you can support our campaign by adding your signature to this Support Letter.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Bill and Anne Benedict
Since the beginning, Matthew Benedict’s One Last Goal has tried to reach other by starting or continuing the conversation that “Life is Precious”. We have done this through guest speakers and partnerships with schools and colleges. Although this may not be our full-time job, we continue to strive to make a difference in others lives. If you can think of a way we can help you or you would like to help us, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. For a recap of the latest events, please click on News.
Want to work together?
We are looking to partner with other individuals, organizations, schools, and college campuses to continue to educate students about taking care of their mental health and each other. Have any ideas on what to do next?