Education and Awareness
The Brain Aneurysm Foundation provides current, accurate
information about brain aneurysms, treatment options, and
recovery to patients and families, healthcare professionals,
and the general public. Whatever the question or concern,
people throughout the world turn to the Brain Aneurysm
Foundation for reliable answers and information.
Through our active presence on social media, we also raise
awareness about brain aneurysms, with the goal of educating
the public about symptoms and risk factors and generating
support for federal policies and funding that will benefit
those affected by brain aneurysms.
In 2017, we further increased awareness by welcoming
Boston Bruins defenseman Kevan Miller as our first national
spokesperson. We also hosted an event at the Massachusetts
State House during Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month in
September, which culminated with landmarks across the state
being illuminated in red throughout the evening. Our goal is to
hold similar events in many other states across the nation in
the coming years.
“I felt like I got
hit in the head by
a baseball bat.”
Massachusetts survivor Tom Tinlin, a Brain Aneurysm Foundation volunteer
That is how Massachusetts resident Tom Tinlin describes what
it felt like when his brain aneurysm ruptured in April 2017. Just
days earlier, the married father of two and then-administrator
for the Highway Division of the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation, had been told by his primary care doctor that
his persistent, painful headaches were probably due to stress.
Accustomed to a high-stress job, Tom was doubtful, but trusted
his doctor.
Fortunately, Tom’s wife, Heather, was with him when the aneurysm
ruptured and was able to rush him to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical
Center in Boston, where he received lifesaving treatment. After 12 days
in the hospital, Tom went home. His recovery has been steady and
smooth, in part because of his sense of humor, support from family and
friends, and realistic expectations.
Brain Aneurysm Foundation | 2017 Annual Report
As someone who has always volunteered and wants to continue
to make a difference, Tom has been helping the Brain Aneurysm
Foundation raise awareness so that perhaps others will be spared
what he and his family endured.
For instance, Tom played a major role in the successful Brain Aneurysm
Awareness Month event held at the Massachusetts State House last
September, and also helped get awareness billboards placed on
Massachusetts highways. Tom continues to be a valued supporter of
the foundation, and in March 2018 received a BAF Champions Award
for his many contributions.
“It frustrates me that my experience was avoidable, had my primary care
doctor been more aware of the symptoms of a brain aneurysm,” says
Tom. “My hope is that we can educate more healthcare professionals
and the public about brain aneurysms so that fewer people have to
suffer or die.”