Thanks for visiting my brain aneurysm Awareness Walk fundraising page for the 7th Annual TAAF Aneurysm Awareness Walk (Sunday May 6, 2012). I am walking in memory of Chris Meehan. If you will be in the SF area and would like to walk with me - I would be ecstatic to have your company and support! You can find all the details at www.taafonline.org or feel free to reach out to me directly.
Why The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation (TAAF)
Seven years ago I joined with a group of doctors and nurses from Univ of Ca San Francisco (UCSF), and like-minded survivors and caregivers to form The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation (TAAF). TAAF (www.TAAFonline.org) is now a small, but quickly growing 501c3 non-profit that is well established in the aneurysm and AVM communities. Today I continue on in a pro-bono fashion as the Executive Director of TAAF.
I am walking in Memory of Chris Meehan. Chris always believed in me and inspired me to be the best person I could be. And from the time I was a little girl I've always had a distinct passion for doing work that has an end result of helping others in need. I feel privileged to be able to honor his memory by doing what I love.
And I am ecstatic and very proud of the progress TAAF has made! Most recently in 2011/2012 we kicked off an Annual Research Grant Program awarding 3 research grants to further the care and detection of brain aneurysm and AVM. We are in process of working with PBS to air our brain aneurysm documentary "Brain Emergency." We are in the 7th year of our continually growing Annual Awareness Walk (with over 350 participants and growing!). We also are seeing local grassroots educational and fundraising events in support of TAAF popping up around the country.
Chris' Story
On Thanksgiving Day of 2000, just after he turned 28, Chris had the worst headache of his life. It just wouldn't go away and 2 weeks later he was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. Basically, he had a ticking bomb in his head that could burst (hemorrhage) at any time. That is, it could rupture and kill him today or never or somewhere in between, there was no way to tell. Chris passed away just a few months after being diagnosed.
Why I Am Walking
Brain aneurysms are a scary thing. Most affected people can go through life normally, having no idea they have one - unless it ruptures. And if it ruptures, there is a 50% chance of death and a 30% chance of long term deficits.
The people (patients, survivors, and medical community) I have met through my work with TAAF are inspiring and have given me first hand accounts of amazing stories of recovery and disease management – tangible evidence of the difference that a community of support, and knowledge, can make. I am walking because I know that with knowledge, with more ready avenues to tap into communities of support around this condition, things most certainly could have been different for Chris.
I also walk in honor of the dozens and dozens of Chris' family and friends who are an infinite pool of love and support and generosity. Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you for support!
I thank you sincerely for your support. And please forward this page on to anyone who you think might want to donate!
Warmly,
Angela
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts.