WELCOME
Happenstance?
Not a Chance!
CHRISTINE BUCKLEY,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
In today’s world we all have moments when time gets away from us
no matter what we put in our digital or paper calendars. For many
women, a date we always remember is our hair appointment. On
the morning of June 12, I was to have my hair cut — this date had
been booked for months and I thought how fortunate it was, since
I had an event later that evening. But as I was backing out of my
office parking space to pick up lunch and saw myself in the rear-view
mirror, I gasped, realizing I missed my morning appointment!
So on the evening of June 14, I went for my haircut at a small salon in a remote beach
community. As I was getting ready to check out, one of the staff — Amanda, whom I have
known for some time and whose Mom is a brain aneurysm survivor — said she wanted to
introduce me to someone. I was introduced to a lovely woman who was a brain aneurysm
survivor of five years. She had been treated in both Boston and Atlanta. I know both of her
surgeons well, she attends a local support group, and has been to some of the foundation’s
walks. As we were talking, the woman in the chair across the way got our attention. It turns
out that this woman’s daughter is a survivor of almost two years, lives locally, and is involved
with foundation activities.
The three of us had a lovely conversation about matters relating to brain aneurysms and the
Brain Aneurysm Foundation. We shared stories. I provided information about the foundation
that the women were not aware of. The five-year survivor gave words of encouragement
to the mother of the two-year survivor. This was a moment that was meant to be. It was no
accident. I clearly missed my usual morning appointment a fe w days prior for a reason. So,
what was the reason?
The reason is brain aneurysms must be talked about. With one in 50 people affected, there is
a need for awareness and education. Brain aneurysms are not rare. People in our communities
are living as survivors or mourning a loved one lost to a brain aneurysm. We must be vocal.
Like Amanda, we must make introductions. We must share our stories and be a source of
strength and information for each other. We cannot be silent, as aneurysms so often are.
So as you go about your summer, whether on a road trip or at a barbeque, I ask you to talk
about your connection to brain aneurysms with others. Just as I was, you might be surprised
to learn who else in your midst has something to add to the conversation. And be sure to
share bafound.org as a resource!
Have a wonderful summer. And, as always, many thanks for your continued support.
Warm regards,
B R AIN ANEU RYSM FOU NDATION | SU M M E R 201 8 | BAFOU ND.ORG
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