2016 Brain Aneurysm Foundation Annual Report 2016-Brain-Aneurysm-Foundation-Annual-Report | Page 10

Brain Aneurysm Foundation
7
AWARENESS AND EDUCATION
What began as a few simple brain aneurysm facts on billboards soon became a grassroots
awareness campaign that took hold and resonated across the country.
The first announcement of our
#1in50 CAMPAIGN
reached almost 25,000 people –
resulting in hundreds of people
sending their 1 in 50 photos and over
3,000 visitors to our website.
We offer
educational books in
4 LANGUAGES
Patty Petrula, brain aneurysm survivor from Paramus, NJ.
300+
people tuned into our
educational webinars.
We participated in a
Twitter Chat during
Stroke Awareness Month
with CNN Chief
Medical Correspondent
Dr. Sanjay Gupta
“The worst headache of
my life dropped me to
the ground - it was like a
thunderclap in my head.”
Ten days later Patty woke up to discover she had suffered a
ruptured brain aneurysm and stroke – her survival was a miracle.
And that’s just how Patty has operated since. “I feel like I’m a
walking miracle…I survived for a reason and a purpose. I hope to
inspire and motivate those who don’t think they can…yes, you can
and you will!” Patty’s mantras include “survive and thrive” and “progress not perfection.” She credits
her support group for helping her understand what to expect during her recovery journey.
This past September, Patty turned up the volume and focused her energy on raising local awareness.
Patty’s fundraising events are grassroots community-based efforts like our #1in50 campaign. To
raise awareness, Patty reached out to her community and organized everything from fundraisers at
dance studios and fitness centers, to the wearing of brain aneurysm awareness ribbons by the town’s
cheerleaders, lacrosse team, and even tied around the trees! When the #1in50 campaign launched,
Patty was one of the first to send in her photo and honor the community that supported her through
her recovery.