Did You Know
This section is dedicated to raising awareness about brain aneurysms. Here you’ll find life-saving facts, stories, and campaigns like Did You Know? designed to educate our community.
What is a Brain Aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain that bulges and fills with blood. Many people never realize they have one until it ruptures, causing a life-threatening emergency.
This was tragically the case for Jacqueline “LaLa” Rhone and so many others. Awareness and education are our first lines of defense.
Key Facts Everyone Should Know
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1 in 50 people in the U.S. has an unruptured brain aneurysm
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A brain aneurysm ruptures every 18 minutes in the United States
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About 30,000 people experience a rupture each year
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The federal government spends only $2.94 per person on brain aneurysm research annually, far less than many other neurological conditions
These are not just numbers. They represent lives, families, and futures.
Warning Signs of a Rupture
The most common symptom of a ruptured brain aneurysm is a sudden, severe headache, often described as the “worst headache of your life.” Other warning signs include:
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Vision changes
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Nausea or vomiting
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Stiff neck
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Sensitivity to light
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Seizures
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Loss of consciousness
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Difficulty speaking
If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Acting fast can save a life.
Who is Most at Risk?
Anyone can develop a brain aneurysm, but certain factors increase the risk:
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Family history of aneurysms
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High blood pressure
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Smoking
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Drug use (especially cocaine)
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Certain genetic conditions
In underserved communities, especially Black communities, risk is compounded by delayed diagnoses, lack of access to healthcare, and systemic inequities. That is why our work is rooted in equity, awareness, and access.
Stories That Move Us
Behind every statistic is a face, a name, and a family. Jacqueline “LaLa” Rhone was only 39 years old when an aneurysm claimed her life. She was a counselor, motivator, and woman of faith whose loss still echoes in our hearts.
We honor her by speaking loudly where silence once lived. These stories are not meant to create fear, but to bring power, awareness, and action to a condition too often overlooked.
What We’re Doing About It
LaLa Speaks Foundation exists to bring awareness, advocate for survivors, and provide support where it is needed most. Through initiatives like Silent Sounds Loud Impact, The Red Light Moment, and Reclaim & Rise STL, we are turning pain into passion and mobilizing communities to save lives.
💡 You can help:
Together, we can rewrite the story of brain aneurysms, one family, one community, one life at a time.