Behind the Hope: Our Journey

Jeff Mayer is an attorney, nonprofit leader, and advocate for families in crisis, survivors of brain aneurysms, and community enrichment. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Joe Niekro Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of brain aneurysms and AVMs. Jeff is also an active member of the Duke Chicago board, where he previously served as Chair, fostering alumni engagement and philanthropy.

Jeff’s commitment to public service extends to his work with Ascend Justice, where he provides pro bono legal services to families navigating critical challenges.

Jeff is a seasoned business litigator who has handled hundreds of disputes, including nationwide class and collective actions. He represents clients in real estate, software, technical contract matters, and employment litigation, serving as lead counsel in courts, arbitration, and before agencies across the U.S.

In addition to his professional and nonprofit endeavors, Jeff is an adjunct professor at The John Marshall Law School, teaching real estate litigation and sharing his expertise with the next generation of professionals. An avid reader, pescatarian, and lifelong sports enthusiast, Jeff balances his professional life with his role as a devoted father to four children. Whether championing causes, litigating complex disputes, or mentoring future leaders, Jeff’s dedication to making an impact is at the heart of his work.

Brian Bagley brings close to 20 years of expertise in representing companies and individuals in complex commercial litigation. A skilled trial attorney with Akerman LLP, he has successfully tried cases in both state and federal courts and has effectively advocated for clients in arbitration.

His practice focuses on commercial litigation, energy, employment disputes, product liability, and intellectual property litigation, serving diverse industries such as energy, automotive, entertainment, banking, real estate, hospitality, and manufacturing.

Since 2018 Brian has proudly served the Niekro Aneurysm and AVM Foundation, where his dedication to giving back aligns with the Foundation’s mission to support patients and families. Outside of his professional and philanthropic work, Brian and his wife, Christen, cherish time with their four children in Houston, Texas, where they attend St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.

Lindsay Bowerman is a seasoned business development professional with over 20 years of experience. Since 2017, she’s represented top playground, shade, and site amenity brands across Southeast Texas through Playground Solutions of Texas, focusing on design for large-scale park and recreation projects. A University of Texas at Austin graduate, she lives in NW Houston with her sons, Spencer and Trevor, and their dog, Lyla.

In 2018, Lindsay survived a ruptured brain aneurysm that required life-saving surgery by Dr. Gavin Britz at Houston Methodist. Though recovery was long and challenging, she regained her health and sense of purpose. Invited by Dr. Britz to speak at the Knuckle Ball Gala, she later chaired the event and now serves on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Grateful for her recovery, Lindsay is dedicated to raising awareness, funding research, and supporting brain aneurysm and AVM survivors.

Wesley Jackson is the founder of a commercial and industrial construction company in Houston, Texas. He is also a former trial lawyer and general counsel for a construction firm. As a trial lawyer, Wes successfully tried cases in state and federal courts and represented clients in arbitration. As a business owner, he helps clients achieve their goals by delivering facilities on time and within budget. He is proud of his reputation for honesty and integrity in both the construction and legal industries.

Wesley has witnessed firsthand how unknown medical conditions can impact families, inspiring him to help raise awareness for the vital work of the Joe Niekro Foundation.

Born and raised in Houston, Wes earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas and his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. He and his wife, Suzanne, have three children and are members of Memorial Drive Methodist Church. Wes also volunteers as a coach for the Spring Branch Memorial Sports Association in West Houston.

Christa Reed is a Registered Nurse who transitioned into Healthcare IT and now works as a Senior Clinical Analyst with Epic at Harris Health System. A Houston native, she lives in Rosharon, Texas, and has always been driven by a desire to help others. Before nursing, Christa earned a Criminal Justice degree from the University of Houston–Downtown and served as an Adult Probation Officer, later earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Houston–Victoria.

In September 2020, during an unrelated ER visit, doctors discovered a 6 mm aneurysm in Christa’s anterior communicating artery. Because of its unusual shape, she underwent a craniotomy and surgical clipping on November 30, 2020. After a successful recovery, she joined the Joe Niekro Foundation support group on Facebook, where she found comfort and connection with other survivors. Her positive outlook and empathy led her to become an admin for the group, sharing daily affirmations and hope.

In 2021, Christa nominated her neurosurgeon for the Knuckle Ball Award and had the honor of presenting it at the Gala. That experience deepened her commitment to the foundation and its mission. Grateful for her second chance at life, Christa continues to dedicate her time and energy to supporting other aneurysm and AVM survivors, raising awareness, and spreading positivity wherever she can.

Jacquie Wehby is a mother, teacher, mentor, and advocate dedicated to inspiring others to live healthy and purposeful lives. Born and raised in Long Island, New York, she and her family settled in Houston 16 years ago after living in several cities across the U.S. and abroad.

With a degree in Health Education from Oral Roberts University, Jacquie has spent her career empowering young people as a teacher, coach, and advocate for at-risk youth. She met her husband, Kirk, on the university’s soccer field, and together they’ve shared their love of sports with their three children.

Jacquie became involved with the Niekro Foundation in 2017 after her son, Luc, suffered a brain aneurysm caused by a ruptured AVM at age twelve. Against all odds and after four brain surgeries, Luc is thriving. The Foundation gave her family community, education, and a platform to raise awareness for AVM survivors and caregivers — support that continues to inspire her advocacy today.

Walter S. Lesley, MD is a board-certified physician with more than 35 years of experience in neuroendovascular surgery. A graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, he completed his residency and fellowships in Chicago, Detroit, and Iowa, and later earned an MBA from the University of Massachusetts Isenberg School of Management.

Dr. Lesley developed and continues to lead the Neuroendovascular Surgery program at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple, where he treats patients with stroke, brain aneurysms, and AVMs. He also serves as a Professor at Texas A&M University College of Medicine and enjoys teaching medical students and residents.

An active clinical researcher, Dr. Lesley has contributed to the EMBOLISE, CREST, and SAMMPRIS studies. He also brings valuable leadership experience from his service on several professional and community boards, including the Texas Radiological Society and the American College of Radiology.

(1953–2015)

David Bergman was a Major League Baseball player and philanthropist who dedicated his post-baseball life to giving back to his community. A standout athlete, Bergman enjoyed a successful 17-year MLB career, notably winning the 1984 World Series as the starting first baseman for the Detroit Tigers. Known for his discipline at the plate and clutch performances, he was admired both on and off the field.

Beyond baseball, Bergman was a passionate advocate for brain aneurysm and AVM research, inspired by his decades-long friendship with Joe Niekro. Following Niekro’s passing, he became a key supporter of the Niekro Aneurysm & AVM Foundation, contributing to its mission to advance research, raise awareness, and provide resources to patients and families.

In addition to his work with the foundation, Bergman served as a trustee for Sparky Anderson’s C.A.T.C.H. charity and mentored young athletes. His legacy continues to inspire the foundation’s work in creating a brighter future for those impacted by brain aneurysms, AVMs, and strokes.

John Welfare was a retired Partner from Deloitte Consulting, LLP, where he specialized in implementing complex IT solutions for large, global companies. Based in Charlotte, his 34-year career in IT consulting spanned industries including manufacturing, retail, and life sciences. He was proud to bring his diverse business background to the JNF Board.

John was the devoted husband of Sandy for 39 years and the proud father of two daughters, Emily and Jamie. He lived near his beloved granddaughters, Mila and Haven, and cherished time spent with them. Outside of work, John was active in his church and loved outdoor pursuits such as fishing, backpacking, snorkeling, and horticulture. In 2009, he caught a golden trout that still held a world record.

He also served on the Board of Directors of the Twin Rivers Homeowners Association for over 20 years, including three years as President. John held degrees in Management Science and Environmental Management from Duke University and applied his environmental expertise to lead several stream restoration projects in North Carolina on a volunteer basis.

John’s legacy is one of dedication—to his family, his community, his profession, and to making the world around him a little better.