Brain aneurysm survivor Sharon Epperson is the recipient
of a BAF Champion Award (see page 9).
Sharon Epperson with her daughter Emma Farley, son
Dylan Farley, and husband Christopher Farley at the
TeamCindy 5K Walk/Run for Research.
Have you taken advantage of any of the services offered by the BAF?
Yes. On the website, I found out about a BAF-supported 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.
You are generously funding 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and outdated.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.
B R AIN ANEU RYSM FOU NDATION | SU M M E R 201 8 | BAFOU ND.ORG
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