Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/1514574
16 Susie Frost, Lynn Nuttall, Christine Buckley, Grace Hilton, Taylor Buckley Did you know that nearly all brain aneurysms are treatable? When most people hear about brain aneurysms, words like "sudden," "incurable," and often "death," come to mind, but when detected early, this serious condition is treatable. For nearly three decades, one South Shore organization has been leading the charge toward raising awareness and funding critical research. The Brain Aneurysm Foundation (BAF), headquartered right here in Hanover, is working day and night toward a life without death or disabilities caused by brain aneurysm ruptures, keeping families and communities whole, and people in the workforce. BAF knows that identifying an aneurysm before rupture is the only solution, so they are hard at work crusading for change on Capitol Hill, while diligently raising money for research. "The foundation is proud to be the largest private funder of brain aneurysm research, awarding close to $5.5M to date, but greater funding is needed to save lives and reduce disabilities, which is why our advocacy on Capitol Hill is critical," says BAF Executive Director Christine Buckley. Early detection is the key to saving the estimated one in 50 people living with an unruptured aneurysm. Every year in the United States, around 30,000 people suffer a brain aneurysm rupture – about one every 18 minutes. Globally, there are nearly half a million deaths every year caused by brain aneurysms and half that number are victims younger than age 50. These startling numbers make clear the immediate need for research and support in the fight toward preventing ruptures, yet federal funding is insufficient with just $2.08 per year spent on brain aneurysm research for each person afflicted. Unlike other serious ailments and diseases, brain aneurysm rupture comes on suddenly and with deadly consequences. Survivors face permanent disabilities and challenges that completely change their lives, while families are plagued with devastation and expensive long-term care costs. Written by Robin Young, photography by Lucie Wicker STOP THE POP Hanover-Based Organization Works to Transform Brain Aneurysm Detection