281-543-5251 | Contact Us 2401 Fountain View Dr, Ste 312 PMB 12, Houston, TX 77057
Donate

Knuckling Up for Brain Aneurysms, AVMs & Hemorrhagic Strokes
  • Give
    • Apparel
    • Other Ways to Give
    • GIVING
    • Gifts in Honor
  • About Us
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Medical Advisory Board
    • Our Mission
    • Partners
    • Contact Us
  • Education
    • Understanding
      • Brain Basics
      • What is an Aneurysm?
      • What is an AVM?
      • What is a Hemorrhagic Stroke?
      • Types of Cerebral Aneurysms
      • Factors of a Brain Aneurysm
      • Symptoms of a Brain Aneurysm
      • Dangers of a Brain Aneurysm
      • How Does a Brain Aneurysm Develop?
      • What Happens When an Aneurysm Bleeds?
      • How is a Brain Aneurysm Diagnosed?
    • Treatment
      • Unruptured Aneurysm
      • Ruptured Aneurysm
      • Clipping
      • Occlusion and Bypass
      • Endovascular Embolization / Coiling
      • Flow Diversion
      • Onyx Liquid Embolic System
      • Gamma Knife
      • Questions to Ask Your Doctor
      • Should I Get a Second Opinion?
      • Treating Physicians
  • Support
    • Support Groups
      • Support Group Locations
    • Recovery
      • Denial
      • Anger and Frustration
      • Depression
      • Bargaining
      • Acceptance
      • Post Recovery Issues
    • Caregivers
      • What a Caregiver Needs to Know
      • Recharging and Finding Balance
      • Looking After Yourself
    • What to Expect
  • Connect
    • Contact Us
    • Social Media
      • Facebook
        • Patients Online Support Group
        • Caregivers Online Support Group
        • Young Adult Online Survivor’s Support Group
        • Parents Online Support Group
        • Honoring the Taken Online Support Group
      • Twitter
      • Instagram
      • YouTube
      • LinkedIn
    • Stories
      • Survivors Around the Globe
      • The Caregiver’s Side
      • Honoring the Taken
      • Submit Your Story
    • Webinars
    • Blog
    • Knuckle Up Newsletter
  • Events
    • Knuckle Ball 2023
    • 2022 Virtual 5K: Walk. Run. Row. Cycle.
  • Grants
    • Joe Niekro Research Grant
      • Letter of Intent
      • Grant Application
      • Grant Recipients
    • Joe Niekro/SNIS Research Grant
    • Joe Niekro Patient’s Choice Award
    • Joe Niekro Crystal Bat Award
Home > Blog > Aneurysms > From One Survivor to Another
  •  

    From One Survivor to Another

    This beautiful letter was written by a member of our Brain Aneurysm Support Group and is also a dear friend of mine.  Robin was one of the first members of our group and has become one of the biggest advocates for The Joe Niekro Foundation I know.  With her permission, I am sharing this letter she wrote to current Vice President of the United States, and two time aneurysm survivor, Mr. Joe Biden.  This letter signifies not only Robin’s passion to share her story and help others, but also to create the awareness throughout our governmental system, that the funding for aneurysm research, treatment and support is vital. 

    Dear Mr. Vice President Biden:

    I am writing you as a fellow brain aneurism survivor. I have read with interest about your brain aneurism recovery and am greatly interested in what course you took to become rehabilitated so well and so completely. Although I have made great strides in my own rehabilitation, I still struggle enough to wonder what else I can be doing to make an even more complete recovery. I am hoping you can help me with this information.
    In December of 2007, I suffered a burst  brain aneurism and was air evacuated to Barrow’s Neurological Institute in Phoenix. I spent a month in a coma and then another month in intensive treatment and rehab at that same hospital. Doctors considered it miraculous that I even survived and were amazed at my level of rehabilitation even by the time I was sent home. I have worked with specialists and teachers to regain my skills and now lead a normal life. However, when I see your total recovery, I have hope that there is more I can do to increase my skills and recovery. I realize that each case is different. I also believe that we can continue to improve and that sharing successful strategies is useful to us all.
    As part of my rehabilitation, I have become involved with The Joe Niekro Foundation Brain Aneurysm Support Group. It has been a huge help to me. It is through this experience that I found my new purpose in life of helping raise funds for other people who have suffered a brain aneurism.
    So, my purpose in writing is twofold. I am eager to learn what kind of program helped you gain back 100% of your skills. Any information or resources you can share would be greatly appreciated and I can share them with my support group as well.
    Also, I would love to have your support of The Joe Niekro Foundation that raises funds for victims of brain aneurisms. Please note that March 14 through March 20 is Brain Aneurism Awareness Week.
    I have great respect for you and very much appreciate your attention on this matter.

    Sincerely,
    Robin Beck

    HATS OFF TO YOU ROBIN!  WELL WRITTEN!

    Posted on Friday, March 18, 2011
  •  

    Comments

Common Questions

  • What is a brain aneurysm?
  • What is an AVM?
  • What is a hemorrhagic stroke?
  • What are the risk factors of a brain aneurysm?
  • What are the symptoms of a brain aneurysm?
  • What are the dangers of a brain aneurysm?
  • How does a brain aneurysm develop?
  • How is a brain aneurysm diagnosed?

Upcoming Events

  • Knuckle Ball 2023
  • 2022 Virtual 5K: Walk. Run. Row. Cycle.

News Room

  • Stories
  • Videos
  • Knuckle Up Newsletter

Connect with Us

  • Subscribe to our Knuckle-Up Newsletter
  • Become a Fan on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Follow us on Instagram
  • Join our Online Aneurysm/AVM Support Group
  • Join our Online Parents Support Group
  • Join our Online Young Adult Survivor’s Support Group
  • Join our Online Aneurysm/AVM Caregivers Support Group
  • Join our Online Honoring the Taken Support Group
  • Support Group Locations
  • Contact Us
  • References
  • Privacy Policy
© 2023 Joe Niekro Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
  • Donate

    Every donation matters - every dollar counts. The Joe Niekro Foundation is a registered 501 (c)(3) which means your donations are 100% tax deductible. Your donations are used to enhance the research and treatment of brain aneurysms, AVM and hemorrhagic strokes, while supporting patients and families through the recovery process.

    Donate Now!
  • Newsletter Sign Up

    The best way to keep up to date on all the JNF happenings. Sign up today for our Knuckle Up Newsletter!