article_snippet: That's exactly what Debra Pyka thought when Debra Pyka signed up Debra Pyka son, Joseph Chernach, for Pop Warner football in Wisconsin, then later in Michigan, when her son was 11 years old, in 1997.
article_snippet: If only she knew then that Debra Pyka son would be dead at 25.
article_snippet: her son was the class comedian, loved school, always fun to be around," Debra Pyka told me.
article_snippet: Debra Pyka is convinced those early days playing Pop Warner football triggered her son's CTE.
article_snippet: I don't want any kids to suffer the way her son suffered, the way my family suffered.
article_snippet: I didn't sign her son up to get a brain disease," Pyka said.
article_snippet: Still, when the lawyer talk is done, Debra Pyka won't get Debra Pyka son back.
article_snippet: And amazingly, Debra Pyka did not sound bitter.
article_snippet: And Debra Pyka's not out to end football.