Invisible Impact E15: POTS & Concussion with Will Renken

In this episode, our Chief Strategy & Operations Officer Julia Manning sits down with Will Renken, our Community & Volunteer Engagement Specialist, for a conversation about POTS, concussion, persistent symptoms, and the experiences that shaped his path into this work. Will shares what it was like navigating overlapping POTS and post-concussion symptoms after his athletic career was cut short by multiple concussions. He also discusses how those experiences influenced his studies in neuroscience and his passion for supporting the concussion and CTE community. 👤 About the guest: Will Renken is the Community & Volunteer Engagement Specialist at the Concussion & CTE Foundation. He was diagnosed with POTS after a prolonged viral illness in high school and later played varsity water polo at Brown University, where he earned Academic All-American honors three times. In 2018, four concussions over just two years ended his collegiate athletic career. Because Will’s POTS and post-concussion symptoms overlapped so closely, his experience sparked an interest in understanding brain injury and the complexities of recovery. He went on to study neuroscience and conduct brain injury research before joining the Concussion & CTE Foundation. Connect with Will: Instagram: @will.renken 📞 Need support after a concussion? If you or a loved one is struggling after a concussion or living with post-concussion syndrome, you're not alone. The Concussion & CTE Foundation offers free resources and support through the Concussion & CTE Foundation HelpLine. Visit ConcussionAndCTE.org/HelpLine to connect with a dedicated team member who can guide you to resources, medical referrals, and peer support tailored to your needs. 💬 Connect with us Instagram: @concussionandcte Website: ConcussionAndCTE.org ⭐ Enjoyed the episode? If this conversation resonated with you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might benefit. Your support helps us reach more people navigating life after brain injury.