Brain Aneurysm Foundation

Hey, Brainiacs...Thanks for visiting my page.

Call to Action:  Click the BLUE Button that says "SUSANNAH & THE BRAINIACS" and join my team to donate & participate (in person or virtually) for NYC Walk in Hudson River Park on 13 September 2025 (Registration begins at 8am, Walk begins at 9am).

Susannah’s Story:  In 2018, I was diagnosed with 5 unruptured brain aneurysms during a routine MRI for “history of headaches.”  A follow up MRA confirmed findings and set me on a 6+ year treatment plan that has included:

• 3 separate cerebral embolization procedures to insert multiple stents, flow diverters and coils.
• 1 craniotomy to place several aneurysm clips.
• Countless diagnostic cerebral angiograms, MRAs and MRIs.
• More doses of general anesthesia than anyone my age should have.
• And a lifetime supply of blood thinners and baby aspirin.

To date, I have one unruptured aneurysm that remains and is "on watch," for which I receive an MRA every 3-6 months and an annual cerebral angiogram to monitor/track size.  Any changes/growth will require another procedure to treat.

I am EXTREMELY fortunate that my aneurysms were found and are being treated by my excellent care team at NYU Langone.  Despite the widespread availability of brain imaging that can detect a brain aneurysm, misdiagnosis or delays in diagnosis occur in up to one quarter of patients when initially seeking medical attention. In three out of four cases, misdiagnosis results from a failure to do an MRA.

Here are some basic stats:

• 1 in 18 people in the US have an unruptured aneurysm.  20% have multiple aneurysms.
• About 30,000 people in the United States suffer a brain aneurysm rupture each year. A brain aneurysm ruptures every 18 minutes.
• Ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal in about 50% of cases.  Of those who survive, about 66% suffer some permanent neurological defect.
• Approximately 15% of people with ruptured aneurysm die before reaching the hospital due to rapid and massive brain injury from the initial bleeding.

The federal government spends only $2.94 per year on brain aneurysm research for each person afflicted.  That is not nearly enough for what is needed for research & education.  This is why is it so important to support organizations such as BAF (Brain Aneurysm Foundation), who promotes awareness, education and research for the brain aneurysm community.

I hope to see many of my local friends and family at the NYC event to walk with me, Vernell, and our children in support of Brain Aneurysm Foundation research & awareness.  My "far away friends & family," you will be missed at the event, but I know that you will be with us in spirit.

My family and I thank you for your donation & support!!

Yours Truly,

Susannah Ollivierre

Brain Aneurysm Foundation Mission:

To promote early detection of brain aneurysms by providing knowledge and raising awareness of the signs, symptoms and risk factors. Work with the medical communities to provide support networks for patients and families, as well as to further research that will improve patient outcomes and save lives.

Through your support, the Brain Aneurysm Foundation will be able to continue to provide support and educational materials and information to brain aneurysm patients, their families, and the medical community and to promote critical awareness of brain aneurysms which will lead to earlier detection. The Brain Aneurysm Foundation is funding essential research that will promote a better understanding of why this condition happens and identify those at risk before an aneurysm rupture occurs. Thank you for making a difference with your support!