Sharon Epperson: Why I Support the BAF
On a September morning in 2016, Sharon Epperson was participating
in an exercise class when she felt a strange sensation in her head.
Almost instantly “I knew something was wrong” says Sharon, a CNBC
correspondent and married mother of two who lives in Westchester
County, New York.
Unable to drive, Sharon called her husband, who picked her up and
took her to a primary care physician, who insisted they go to the local
Emergency Depart ment. There, tests revealed that Sharon had suffered
a ruptured brain aneurysm. She was transferred to Montefiore Medical
Center, where she underwent surgical treatment.
Sharon’s recovery, which she says is “still ongoing and may never be 100
percent,” has not been easy. “I used to go at 120 percent and just power
through if I got tired, but now I may hit the wall at 80 percent and I don’t
have a second wind, so I need to pace myself,” says Sharon. “It’s a challenge
if you’re not used to saying no, and often difficult for others to understand
because this cognitive fatigue is invisible.”
One activity Sharon always makes time for these days is raising awareness
about brain aneurysms and the need for more research. In a recent
conversation, she shared some of the reasons she is so passionate about
the Brain Aneurysm Foundation’s mission.
How did you first learn about the Brain Aneurysm Foundation?
After my treatment, I wanted to learn more about the incidence of brain
aneurysms and aneurysm ruptures among African-Americans and did
a Google search, which led me to the BAF website. There I found out
that women are more likely than men to suffer an aneurysm and that
African-Americans are twice as likely as whites to have a rupture. I was
very impressed with the information on the BAF website, which I found
enormously helpful. I did some research [on GuideStar and Charity
Navigator] and learned that the BAF is a transparent, fiscally responsible
organization with a prestigious Medical Advisory Board and professional
leadership. As a longtime financial journalist, it was important to me to
know that I was supporting an organization that meets these criteria.
Have you taken advantage of any of the services offered
by the BAF?
Yes. On the website, I found out about a BAF-approved support group
in my area. The support group helps me in so many ways. It gives me
comfort to realize I’m not alone and that other survivors are also affected
by the issues that affect me. The group reminds me to be grateful; I can
see that some people are having a much more difficult recovery. The
group also helped me deal with issues related to returning to work. The
support group is a place where I can feel open, honest, and just be me.
One year following her treatment, Sharon was happy to be able to return
to work. But she is the first to admit that she is a changed person. “In the
past I was always very driven toward a future goal, but now I live in the
moment and relish the fact that I’m alive.”
Sharon Epperson, Senior Personal Finance Correspondent for CNBC
You have generously funded a Sharon Epperson BAF Chair of
Research, which will provide funds for a researcher. Why is brain
aneurysm research so important to you?
Research funding of brain aneurysms pales in comparison to the funding
of diseases with similar prevalence and death rates, partly because of a
lack of awareness. In particular, the research of brain aneurysms among
African-Americans — who are disproportionately affected — is sparse
and outdated. I am passionate about supporting research looking at
the early detection of brain aneurysms, particularly among women and
people of color, which could save many lives.
You participated with your family in the TeamCindy 5K Run
for Research in New York City last September, raising $13,000
for the BAF through your efforts. And you attended the BAF
Advocacy Day in Washington, DC in March. Why did you decide
to participate in these events?
A friend put me in touch with Elaine Schaller, a BAF board member who
coordinates the TeamCindy 5K Run for Research, a successful and fun
event that honors her daughter, Cindy, who died from a ruptured brain
aneurysm in 2007 when she was only 33. Elaine and I have a shared
passion for raising awareness, so I decided to participate in the run. It was
a wonderful day, and it was so great to talk to other survivors at the event.
I chose to participate in the BAF Advocacy Day as it’s critically important
to educate legislators at the national level about brain aneurysms so they
will support brain aneurysm research and policies that will improve the
lives of survivors and caregivers.
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