Honoring Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month

Every mile, every story, every gift matters.

September is our time to lift up survivors, remember those we have lost, and make the silent visible. Awareness is not a campaign buzzword for us. It is a lifeline that turns fear into action and action into lives saved. 

Why this month matters

Brain aneurysms often hide without symptoms until a rupture turns life upside down. In the United States an estimated one in fifty people lives with an unruptured aneurysm and about 30,000 ruptures occur each year, roughly one every eighteen minutes. The human cost is profound, and survivors often face long recoveries. Awareness helps people recognize danger sooner and seek care faster.

Underrepresented and underfunded

Advocates have long called out the gap between the scale of this disease and the support it receives. Ellie’s Law has been re-introduced in Congress to increase research funding and strengthen early detection and prevention efforts. We stand with families and advocates working to change that reality. 

The signs you should never ignore

If a headache explodes out of nowhere and feels like the worst headache of your life, call 911. Other emergency signs can include nausea or vomiting, a stiff neck, blurred or double vision, sensitivity to light, confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizure. Fast action saves lives. 

Who faces higher risk

Risk rises with high blood pressure, smoking, and family history. Aneurysms are also more common in women, and certain conditions such as autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease increase risk. Talk with your clinician about your personal risk and whether screening makes sense for you. 

How you can help right now

  • Share the warning signs with someone you love.

  • Join our community events and rides that honor survivors and lift up their stories.

  • Start a personal fundraiser or shop our campaign collection.
    Your voice and your presence turn awareness into impact.

This information is educational and not a substitute for medical care. Always seek emergency help for sudden, severe headache or other concerning symptoms.