You Can Help Declare September as National Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month
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Shirley Dudek Demmer was a loving wife and the proud mother of two sons and a daughter. Just 54 years old, she was focused on planning for the future with her husband and children. She tirelessly dedicated her life to the family she cherished, the home that she treasured, and the community that she loved. This all changed on November 12, 2007.
In the midst of preparing dinner one night, Shirley collapsed suddenly. Her husband called an ambulance and she was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors broke the news to her stunned family that a brain aneurysm rupture had caused catastrophic damage. Surgeons tried to repair the damage, but were unable to save her.
Shirley's family was shocked by her sudden death that came without warning. Shirley exercised regularly and was in seemingly perfect health. Her husband said she had had every medical test that was recommended and kept meticulous notes of the results.
Shirley was a person of extreme warmth and caring. Throughout her life, she was dedicated to family, faith and community. Her philanthropic efforts, particularly in the area of women's rights and violence against women, had a remarkable effect on everyone whose lives she touched. Her three children were never able to say goodbye. Her husband, her family and her friends were left trying to make sense of their loss. They lost a mother, a wife, a good friend, and an important member of her town's community.
THE FACTS
Every year over 30,000 families in the U.S. experience the unspeakable tragedy caused by a ruptured brain aneurysm. About 40% of those experiencing a ruptured brain aneurysm will die. Those that survive often face significant challenges, greatly impacting their lives and the lives of of their families.
NATIONAL BRAIN ANEURYSM AWARENESS RESOLUTIONS
Senator John F. Kerry and Representatives Edward Markey and Patrick Tiberi have introduced resolutions in Congress to make September "National Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month". Families like Shirley's are asking you for your support by sending a message to your representatives in Congress and Vice President Biden, a brain aneurysm survivor, by signing this petition.
1 in 50 people will develop a brain aneurysm. If a brain aneurysm is diagnosed early with proper screening, it can be treated before it ruptures. Lives can be saved if people know the risks, the signs, and when to get help.
It is critical that you help raise awareness of brain aneurysms, including methods of early detection and treatment.
TAKE ACTION
The Brain Aneurysm Foundation asks you to please support S. Res. 248 and H. Res. 341 and make September National Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month. Please take action and sign our online petition by clicking the red Take Action button at the top of this page or
click here NOW.
ENLIST YOUR FRIENDS
Please ask at least 3 of your friends to send a message to Congress and Vice President Biden by sending them this link - http://bafound.rallycongress.com/
Please share this link on Facebook and Twitter!
