A strong support network is an important part of adjusting to living with a newly diagnosed brain aneurysm/AVM or hemorrhagic stroke patient. Most hospitals do not offer patients and families ongoing support and rehabilitation for these conditions post discharge. It is The Joe Niekro Foundation’s goal to empower members by offering information and emotional support. This forum of mutual acceptance, understanding can play a vital role for caregivers by providing emotional and moral support.

Being a family caregiver can be challenging and you will find yourself facing a host of new responsibilities, many of which are unfamiliar or intimidating. During this time, you will likely experience feelings of anger, frustration, guilt, regret, hope, isolation and exhaustion. These are all normal stages of recovery and you must remember that you are not alone and help is available.  We understand that becoming a caregiver is often an unexpected and overwhelming responsibility, so we are here to help you through this new chapter of your life.

The JNF is excited to announce our new Caregiver Support Page.  The page was created for caregivers to turn to others with similar issues in attempt to deal with their isolation, powerlessness, alienation and the feelings they believe nobody understands. This chat room is a safe haven to be among other caregivers or family members in similar situations to express fears, challenges, successes and failures in an atmosphere in which everyone is loved and accepted by all. This new online group joins the following other support networks provided by JNF:

Brain Aneurysm/AVM/Stroke Support Group                          https://www.facebook.com/groups/aneurysmavm

Parents of Brain Aneurysm/AVM/Stroke Children Support Group –https://www.facebook.com/groups/ParentsBAAVM

Young Adult/Teen Brain Aneurysm/AVM/Stroke Support Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/youngadultaneurysmsurvivors

We encourage you to visit any of our groups and become part of the JNF family support network. The sense of shared experience is worth participating in an online and/or in person support group. When you meet/chat with others who have endured the same struggle or have suffered the same health conditions, you’re encouraged. You discover your issues are not unique. Other people understand exactly what you’re going through. You’re one of a group, rather than one of a kind.

“A support group can be life saving for a patient and family during their critical recovery period. I have been amazed by the commitment, the diligence and camaraderie of their members. I have been deeply impressed by the benefit my patients and their families have received by interacting with others who have survived the same ordeal. I salute the organizers of The Joe Niekro Foundation™ for all the good that they do, and am deeply grateful for the benefit my patients have received because of their efforts.”

Dr. Robert F. Spetzler
Director, Barrow Neurological Institute
Chairman and President, Barrow Neurosurgical Associates
Professor of Surgery, Section of Neurosurgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ

-It is estimated that 6 million people in the US have a brain aneurysm.

-As many as 1 in 15 people will develop a brain aneurysm or an arteriovenous malformation (AVM).

-Every 18 minutes an aneurysm ruptures.

-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.

If a Brain Aneurysm/AVM/Hemorrhagic Stroke support group does not exist in your area and you are interested in starting one, please contact: [email protected].