On May 9, Don suffered a stroke, which was the result of a sizable brain aneurysm. The neurologist continued to tell us that he needed to get stronger before they could preform surgery to stent off the aneurysm and coil the ballooning area to avoid a rupture. He spent four days in the stroke unit at Northshore Hospital before being transferred to Glen Cove hospital where he would undergo acute therapy for the next two weeks.

Like every task Don undertook, he breezed through rehabilitation, getting stronger everyday all the while making the nurses, therapist and other patients laugh with his good humor. Don was sent home after two weeks in rehab to continue with outpatient therapy, making progress before our eyes.  Personal care aides were hired to come to the house in the morning, speech or physical therapist would come in three days per week and Don's daughters, Dena & Cheri, would fill in the days assisting with his care. 

Surgery was finally scheduled for June 11, but it was too late.   Don's aneurysm ruptured and we had to say goodbye to an amazing father, and devoted family man.  His passing is such an incredible loss and we hope that we can eliminate this tragedy happening to others. We are asking for your support.

The Brain Aneurysm Foundation is the world's only nonprofit organization solely dedicated to providing critical awareness, education, support and research funding to reduce the incidence of brain aneurysm ruptures. 

All proceeds go towards:

• Funding and supporting new research.
• Providing support and educational materials to the medical community, the newly diagnosed, survivors, family members, friends and the general public regarding the facts, treatment options, and recovery process for brain aneurysms. 
• Increasing awareness of brain aneurysms by promoting National Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month in September and by distributing aneurysm awareness materials to Emergency Departments in every hospital and to the community. 

With your support, we can start making a real investment to help fight the devastation caused by brain aneurysms and save lives. All donations are tax-deductible and every dollar raised goes to help support the mission of The Brain Aneurysm Foundation. 

If you cannot make a donation at this time, please forward this e-mail and link to everyone you know. Post this on your Facebook and Twitter pages. Every donation counts, no matter what the amount. 

The loss of a loved one is devastating. Yet, we are always reminded by our hearts – how lucky we have been to know those that we loved even in our loss.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Your generosity and support is greatly appreciated.

The Brain Aneurysm Foundation is the world's only nonprofit organization solely dedicated to providing critical awareness, education, support and research funding to reduce the incidence of brain aneurysm ruptures.