The Joe Niekro Foundation

* Every 18 minutes a brain aneurysm ruptures.

* It is estimated that 6 million people in the US have an unruptured brain aneurysm.

* As many as 1 in 15 people will develop a brain aneurysm, AVM, or other hemorrhagic stroke.

* 50% of ruptured aneurysm patients will die within minutes. Of the remaining half, 50% will suffer a delayed death and those remaining will usually suffer severe brain deficits.

* Brain aneurysms are most prevalent in people ages 35-60, but can occur in children as well.

* Women, more than men, suffer from brain aneurysms at a ratio of 3:2.

* The average age of an AVM rupture is 17 years old.

The Joe Niekro Foundation was established in 2007 in honor of the founder’s father, Joe Niekro, who lost his life from a sudden cerebral brain aneurysm on October 27, 2006. The astonishing lack of public awareness and under-support of research of such a widespread and often fatal condition led to the launch of a crusade to educate and encourage awareness about aneurysms.

The Joe Niekro Foundation is committed to aiding in the research and treatment of aneurysm/AVM/stroke patients and families. Our goal is to raise awareness about factors, causes, treatments and research of these conditions.  Funds are used to educate the public, to support patients and families, and to develop awareness programs and educational materials for hospitals, clinics and other institutions nationwide.