In partnership with The Joe Niekro Foundation, Kingwood Medical Center recognized Brain Awareness Week from March 14 – 20 with the launch of the Foundation’s national public awareness campaign: Wanna Get Lucky?. Hospital staff donated to the cause with the purchase of Wanna Get Lucky shirts and commemorative bracelets. Raising more than $1,500 to benefit the Foundation, the bracelets commemorate Kingwood Medical Center’s 100th brain surgery while the shirts bring awareness to the importance of early detection for and prevention of brain aneurysms, thanks to the efforts of The Joe Niekro Foundation – founded by the daughter of Joe Niekro – a former Houston Astros player and 22 year major league knuckleball pitcher who lost his life suddenly to an undiagnosed brain aneurysm.
One in 15 people in the U.S. will develop a brain aneurysm, and 50 percent of ruptured aneurysm victims will die within minutes. The good news is that brain aneurysms are detectable and treatable. Recognized within Houston as a Level I Stroke Center and accredited by the state as a Primary Stroke Center, Kingwood Medical Center provides residents of northeast Houston tertiary care for patients experiencing neurological symptoms. In April, the hospital will open a 10-bed intensive care unit dedicated to neuro patients to support the continued development of the hospital’s Neuro Program.
The Joe Niekro Foundation is so thankful for this wonderful partnership and the continued efforts of Kingwood Medical Center toward the increased awareness of brain aneurysms.
