9 Best Charities That Help Combat Brain Aneurysms (Complete 2024 List)

9 Best Charities That Help Combat Brain Aneurysms (Complete 2024 List)

By
Dennis Kamprad

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A brain aneurysm is a weak spot on an artery in the brain that bulges out and fills with blood. If they rupture, they can cause a stroke, brain damage, or even death. Approximately 30,000 Americans suffer a brain aneurysm rupture per year and between 3 and 5 percent of Americans have an unruptured aneurysm. Fortunately, many charities are working to raise awareness of brain aneurysms and fund research to improve the quality of life for patients. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that help combat brain aneurysms?

The best charities that help combat brain aneurysms are the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, the Bee Foundation, and the Barrow Neurological Foundation. Other charities such as the Joe Niekro Foundation and SameYou focus on funding research to improve the quality of life for brain aneurysms survivors.

Whether you want to raise awareness of brain aneurysms, make the recovery process more accessible and affordable, or fund research to help combat brain aneurysms, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities that help combat brain aneurysms are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to make a contribution.

Here’s What All the Best Charities That Help Combat Brain Aneurysms Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission, impact and transparency ratings, and achievements.

Most of them are US based but their programs help people all over the world to combat brain aneurysms.

Many of the charities listed provide programs that fund research to prevent and treat brain aneurysms. While others raise awareness and provide support groups for survivors of brain aneurysms and their caregivers.

Yet they all share the same goal of combating the suffering caused by brain aneurysms.

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Help Combat Brain Aneurysms in 2024

Below are our favorite charities that help combat brain aneurysms (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

(At the end of this article we’ll also share our six-step approach on how you can select the best charity to support.)

1

Brain Aneurysm Foundation: Raising Awareness and Ending Fear

Logo for Brain Aneurysm Foundation
BAF 25th Anniversary

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Their transparency & ratings:

The Brain Aneurysm Foundation has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. The charity also holds a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“The Brain Aneurysm Foundation aspires towards a life without death or disabilities caused by brain aneurysm ruptures.”

Brain Aneurysm Foundation

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What they do:

The Brain Aneurysm Foundation funds research to help identify and treat brain aneurysms, including advanced detection methods. The charity also provides support to survivors and caregivers via their local support groups and their online community, as well as educational materials through their blog, webinars, and publications of personal stories. In addition, the non-profit advocates for Ellie’s Law, which would provide the first ongoing research for preventing fatal brain aneurysms from rupturing.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, the Brain Aneurysm Foundation has distributed more than $3.5 million in research grants to help combat brain aneurysms. For example, in 2021,they awarded a total of $490,000 in research grant funds to 16 recipients, including the study of Dr. Koji Hosaka that focuses on targeting the chemokine receptor CXCR2 to prevent aneurysm rupture. In addition, the charity runs 75 support groups in the US and Canada for people suffering from the effects of brain aneurysms.

Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation through their website. You can also contribute by volunteering or online shopping. Additionally, you can support the charity by advocating for their initiatives, such as Ellie’s Law.

2

The Bee Foundation: Brain Aneurysm Prevention

Logo for The Bee Foundation
The Bee Foundation

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Their transparency & ratings:

The Bee Foundation has an Encompass Score of 85% for Finance & Accountability from Charity Navigator. The non-profit also holds a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar

“Our mission is to raise awareness of brain aneurysms and increase funding for innovative research that saves lives.”

The Bee Foundation

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What they do:

The Bee Foundation funds research into brain aneurysm development and treatment through their TBF Preventative Research Grants. The charity also has a separate grant program to research brain aneurysms in the black, hispanic population and in women. The Bee Foundation runs a virtual support group, the Brain Aneurysm Support Hive, for survivors of brain aneurysms as well as their families, caregivers and friends. In addition, the charity also raises awareness by sharing the stories of people whose lives have been impacted by brain aneurysms. 

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, the Bee Foundation has funded over $500,000 in preventative research and fellowships, through their research grant program. This has led to the funding of more than 9 research grants , such as the study of Dr. Christopher Kellner that aims to develop a blood test for unruptured brain aneurysms.

Ways to contribute:

You can donate to the Bee Foundation by making a cash donation. You can also donate to a fundraiser of your choice or help fund one of their upcoming events. Additionally, you can shop at their online store or you can apply to volunteer for the Bee Foundation.

3

 Barrow Neurological Foundation: Minding What Matters Most

Logo for Barrow Neurological Institute
Minding What Matters Most

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Their transparency & ratings:

The Barrow Neurological Foundation has a Finance & Accountability Score of 100% from Charity Navigator

“Being the catalyst of our donors’ passion for transformation by providing the resources for Barrow Neurological Institute to achieve its mission of saving human lives.”

Barrow Neurological Foundation

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What they do:

The Barrow Neurological Foundation runs numerous research and clinical trial programs to find treatments for neurological diseases. These include a dedicated program to researching and treating brain aneurysms. The Barrow Aneurysm and AVM Research Center (BAARC) provides treatment for patients that are combating brain aneurysms, including those that are classed as ‘inoperable’ by other clinicians. The program also researches brain aneurysms to discover more effective treatments and better ways to detect them.

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What they’ve achieved:

Today, the Barrow Neurological Foundation’s brain aneurysm program has 14 active clinical research projects, including a study that investigates the role of efferocytosis modulation in preventing the rupture of brain aneurysms. Since the opening of the Barrow Aneurysm and AVM Research Center (BAARC), doctors have performed more than 5,000 aneurysms surgeries.

Ways to contribute:

You can donate to the Barrow Neurological Foundation through their website. You can also choose to donate directly to their brain aneurysm research program.

4

The Joe Niekro Foundation: Knuckling Up for Brain Aneurysms

Logo for The Joe Niekro Foundation
Phoenix 2017 Video

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Their transparency & ratings:

The Joe Niekro Foundation has an overall score of 64% from Charity Navigator. The charity also holds a Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Committed to supporting patients and families, research, treatment and awareness of Brain Aneurysms, AVMs and Hemorrhagic Strokes.”

The Joe Niekro Foundation

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What they do:

The Joe Niekro Foundation funds brain aneurysm research through their Joe Niekro Research Grant program. The charity also runs several support groups, both locally and online. The support groups offer information and emotional support for patients, survivors and caregivers. In addition, their website contains in-depth information for patients of brain aneurysm, including brain anatomy and available treatment options.

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What they’ve achieved:

The Joe Niekro Foundation provides support for brain aneurysm patients and caregivers through 52 local support groups in the US, one local support group in Canada, as well as  five online support groups. Since their founding, the charity has been funding 3 to 4 brain aneurysm research studies each year. For example, in 2021, their grant program funded a study that focused on comparing endovascular therapy and clipping as a treatment for a ruptured brain aneurysm.

Ways to contribute:

You can donate through the Joe Niekro Foundation website. You can also  donate your giveaways to their store or set up your own fundraiser.

5

American Brain Foundation: Cure One, Cure Many

Logo for American Brain Foundation
About The American Brain Foundation

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Their transparency & ratings:

The American Brain Foundation has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Focusing on the full spectrum of brain diseases and disorders because we believe that when we cure one disease, we will cure many.”

American Brain Foundation

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What they do:

The American Brain Foundation funds innovative research that cuts across a wide range of brain diseases and disorders through their ‘Cure One, Cure Many’ program. The charity also supports early-career researchers through their Next Generation Research Grant program. In addition, the American Brain Foundation has a newsletter that updates professionals and researchers on research breakthroughs, as well as a blog with informative articles for patients and caregivers.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, the American Brain Foundation has awarded a total of $34 million to researchers studying brain diseases such as brain aneurysms. More than 86 percent of the researchers received additional funding from the NIH (National Health Institute) or other national funders. The American Brain Foundation supports more than 10 innovative research projects each year, including the study of Dr. Renatta Knox to apply gene therapy as a treatment for many neurological disorders. In addition, the charity is partnered with 20 other nonprofits to help fund brain research, including brain aneurysms.

Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to the American Brain Foundation through their website. You can also donate in honor or in memory of a loved one. 

6

SameYou: For Brain Injury Recovery

Logo for SameYou 
The SameYou Story - Episode One: It started with a sofa...

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Their transparency & ratings:

According to their financial report, SameYou spent 100% of their expenditure on charitable activities.  

“Transform the way brain injury survivors and their loved ones are supported through emotional, mental health and cognitive recovery services.”

SameYou

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What they do:

SameYou provides online resources for brain aneurysm and brain injury patients through their Recovery@Home program. The charity also shares personal stories of survivors to raise awareness about life after brain aneurysms and other acquired brain injuries. In addition, SameYou has supported the innovative work of their partners, including Visionable, to revolutionize the recovery process of patients through technology. 

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What they’ve achieved:

Today, SameYou has a community of more than 38,000 people to support patients suffering from a brain aneurysm or brain injury. Since their founding, the charity has received over 1400 personal stories from survivors. The charity also raised more than $105,000 for brain injury and brain aneurysm research in the wake of the Game of Thrones finale. 

Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly through the SameYou website. You can also contribute by shopping online or participating in SameYou fundraisers

7

American Stroke Association: Healthy Living

logo for American Stroke Association
The American Stroke Association: 20 Years of Progress

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Their transparency & ratings:

The American Stroke Association has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator and holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We believe everyone should live longer, healthier lives.

American Stroke Association

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What they do:

The American Stroke Association provides educational and support resources to help survivors navigate life after a stroke or a brain aneurysm. The charity also runs support groups that are solely dedicated to brain aneurysms such as the Mind Over Matter Support Group. In addition, the charity advocates to break the barriers to equitable health in the US with a focus on Black, Hispanic and Indigenous people, through their National Hypertension Control Initiative. This program helps to reduce high blood pressure, a major risk factor for both stroke and brain aneurysms

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What they’ve achieved:

The American Stroke Association has reduced 13.6% of deaths by stroke since 2018. The American Heart Association, the parent of the American Stroke Association, has also invested $5 billion in funding for stroke and brain aneurysm research since their founding. In addition, the charity has nearly 2,500 volunteer researchers and healthcare providers, who provide peer reviews to help ensure that the most impactful studies get funded, including those for brain aneurysms.

Ways to contribute:

You can directly donate to the American Stroke Association through their website. You can also support the charity by becoming a volunteer or by shopping at their online store.

8

Schurig Center For Brain Injury Recovery: No One Is Alone

Logo for Schurig Center for Brain Injury
Welcome to Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery | How We Help

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Their transparency & ratings:

The Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery holds the Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. According to their financial report, the charity spent 70% of their income on programs and services, 16% on operating costs, and 14% on fundraising, events and marketing.

“We pick up where the healthcare system leaves off to help people adjust to life changes; regain essential skills; and, build new lives of value and purpose.”

Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery

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What they do:

The Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery provides therapeutic and rehabilitative classes, including art therapy, to help brain injury patients with their recovery journey. The charity also runs support groups for both patients and their caregivers. In addition, Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery provides a resource directory to inform brain injury and brain aneurysm survivors and their families of local therapy providers, home care services, and life skills programs.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, the Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery has remained dedicated to improving the lives of people suffering from brain injuries and brain aneurysms. For example, in 2021, they provided more than 2,700 hours of rehabilitative classes and support groups, with 95% of participants stating they achieved their recovery goals. The charity also successfully ran 13 of their classes online for the first time because of Covid-19, to ensure all patients receive the care and support they need. In the same year, the charity also provided more than 1000 hours of resource referral and consultation services for both patients and their families.

Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly through the Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery website. You can also support the charity by shopping at their online store or by volunteering at their center.

9

LoveYourBrain Foundation: Resilience and Community Connection

Logo for LoveYourBrain Foundation
LYB Yoga Leads to Acceptance - Kevin Pearce Interview

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Their transparency & ratings:

LoveYourBrain Foundation has an Encompass Score of 74% for Finance & Accountability and an Encompass Score of 100% for Culture & Community from Charity Navigator. The charity also holds a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Improving the quality of life of people affected by traumatic brain injury and raising awareness about the importance of brain health.”

LoveYourBrain Foundation

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What they do:

The LoveYourBrain Foundation provides evidence-based practices through their LoveYourBrain Yoga program for brain injury patients, including those who have acquired one after a brain aneurysm rupture. The charity organizes retreats and offers a six-week free Virtual Mindset program to provide mindfulness and education to patients. In addition, the charity has a training program on how to make yoga and meditation more accessible to the brain injury community to help with life after a brain injury.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, the LoveYourBrain Foundation has trained and served more than 24,000 people with brain injuries or brain aneurysms. In 2020, their MindfulMarch Campaign raised $91,000 with an outreach of 1,257 people. The charity also provides on-site services through their 50 yoga studios in 33 US States and 7 Canadian provinces

Ways to contribute:

You can directly donate to the LoveYourBrain Foundation through their website. You can also support the charity by joining one of their campaigns or by shopping on their online store.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities that help combat brain aneurysms. However, you may have a particular charity you want to support. Let’s look at what you can do to ensure your contribution has the most significant impact.

  • Check out the charity website. Charities that are worthy of your donations are transparent in their mission and their figures. Familiarize yourself with their history, mission, and values. Their website usually is the best place to start.
  • Identify the charity’s mission. Without a goal, the charity is likely to fail. If the charity’s mission isn’t clear, it’s probably worth looking for a charity that does have a clear mission. 
  • Check if the charity has measurable goals. An effective charity has clear goals. You want to know your donation will help the charity reach its goals. But if it doesn’t have targets, it’s likely to fail or squander your gift. The charity should be able to account for its spending and supply evidence of the work they do.
  • Assess the successes or goals the charity has achieved. You wouldn’t invest in a business if it kept missing its targets. In the same way, charities are like this too. If no one is assessing a charity’s progress in reaching its targets, the chances are they’re not making a substantial positive change.
  • Check the charity’s financials and stats. Trustworthy organizations will publish financial statements and reports each year. Some might be exempt from having to do so, but they should be able to provide them to public members who are interested in donating.
  • Locate sources who work with or benefit from the charity. Word of mouth and first-hand experience of a charity’s work lets you know the charity’s quality. If you’re able to do so, check out the charity for yourself or speak to someone familiar with it. This way, your donation will go to the right place. 

How Can You Best Support These Charities?

After you’ve made your decision, it’s time for you to decide on how you’d like to help the charities you’ve chosen. Check how you can help – each charity runs specific programs that have unique aims. Find out what the aim of such programs is and whether they are right for you. 

Here are a few ways you can help your chosen charity:

  • Donate money. You can find donation pages on the website of most charities. Your donation can be a one-time payment, or you can set it to be deducted regularly at different intervals. You can mostly pay via credit card, but some charities also take PayPal or Bitcoin payments.
  • Buy their official merchandise. The charities can also raise money by selling merchandise. So, you can support them by buying the mugs, shirts, caps, pens, pencils, and any other such items they may be selling. Ideally, you should buy as much as you can to share and spread the word about the charity’s activities.
  • Engage in volunteer work. As you’ve seen from our descriptions above, some charities engage in a lot of local and grassroots programs. You can help by taking on and organizing the program in your local area.
  • Help their fundraising efforts. You can spread the word about the charity in your workplace, school, church, etc., and hold creative fundraising drives on social media or offline within your small circles.
  • Share their stories. Most charities have compelling stories that you can share with your audience to attract more people to the cause.

Final Thoughts

Now it is up to you to select the charity that resonates most with you. And whichever charity you end up choosing and contributing to, we are sure that they will immensely appreciate your support. Hopefully, the information within this article has made this selection process a bit easier for you to support charities dedicated to combating brain aneurysms – based on the causes that matter most to you.

Stay impactful,



PS: Finally, I want to leave you with a thought-provoking TED talk from Dan Pallotta, a leading philanthropic activist and fundraiser, about what is wrong with the way we think about charities – and what we can do about it:

The way we think about charity is dead wrong | Dan Pallotta

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