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So, what’s the connection between Oscar-winning actor George Clooney and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

Clooney and his family founded the Betty Clooney Foundation and Betty Clooney Center in Los Angeles, California. The Foundation and Center have come to the aid of TBI survivors and their families in getting the resources, support and other important tools since 1983.

The organization’s namesake, Betty Clooney, was the sister of actor/writer Nick Clooney (George Clooney’s father) and singer/actress Rosemary Clooney. Betty is George Clooney’s aunt.

After Betty Clooney’s death in 1976 as a result of a brain aneurysm, the family created the organization to help others.

George Clooney himself is no stranger to TBI. On the 2005 set of his movie “Syriana” (in which Clooney walked away with an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor), he suffered a head injury that led to surgery, rehab and a long and challenging recovery. (Click on the link above to see the details).

Here’s a list of other entertainers who have opened up about their own TBI experiences and journey.