Bio
My name is Chris Dufficy and I am a retired professional snowboarder. I’ve travelled the world for over 25 years while having my career documented through videos and photographs. I devoted my life to succeeding, which led to numerous injuries and multiple concussions. Snowboarding became my identity, and like many athletes whose careers come to an end, struggled to find purpose without it. Filming video parts have only one standard: perfection. Unknowingly, I transferred this thought process to my everyday life. If anything falls short, depression ensues, feelings of failure set in, and negative thoughts cloud my mind. This was reinforced in 2015 when I was diagnosed with trauma induced epilepsy.
I fight depression stemming from brain injuries, side effects from seizure medication, and trying to find my own identity after my snowboard career ended. People see bruises, scars, and stitches, but when injuries are hidden—mental and emotional—they are often overlooked and misunderstood.
“When I first met Chris, he and I became instant brothers. He has a natural gift of smile. Its a powerful smile packed full of HEART and a genuine care for those he meets. What stood out to me right from the jump, was to share that same love with those he just met.Because of the relentless love for people, Chris is creating a community to tell stories and share his experiences about the untold truths of head trauma. It makes sens that he is willing to be vulnerable to help others who are battling their own wars that manifest after going through such trauna.”
– @jeremy___jones
“I think Chris Dufficy is a deeply caring man. I see him wanting to share what is going on in his inner world and his desire to share his deeper and scarier emotions with others. I believe Chris has lived through some of the highest highs and lowest lows that a human can experience. He has expressed to me the importance of creating a space for others to share similar emotions and thoughts without shame or judgment. When I am in his presence I have a body felt sense of his caring and humbleness. I am grateful to know him and to have been able to be part of his journey in professional snowboarding. Chris’s snowboarding and his style has personally influenced me to be a better rider. I believe that his compassionate side has the ability to influence and impact other in a positive way.”
– @therealjp