BAF Changemaker: Evan Giarrusso

 

Evan Giarrusso, better known as EVAN GIIA, is a Brooklyn-based vocalist and Electropop performer from Hingham, Massachusetts. Evan and her family were devastated when they lost her uncle to a brain aneurysm rupture.

 

BAF: Tell us a little about your connection with brain aneurysms.


EG: In December of 2019, my uncle Patrick Fettuccia suffered a brain aneurysm rupture at my cousin’s hockey game and passed away just three days before Christmas. Patrick was otherwise healthy and only 53 years old. It came as such a shock to our big family. After his passing, I was determined to find a way to spread more awareness about aneurysms so that other families would not have to go through the same pain.

BAF: When did you first learn about the BAF?


EG: I was introduced to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation when my cousin Eddie, Patrick’s son, ran the Boston Marathon in 2022 to raise money for the foundation. Eddie raised $26K which funded the first Patrick Fettuccia Chair of Research.

BAF: Why is it important for you to be an advocate/fundraiser for the BAF community?


EG: I was shocked to hear how often people are affected by brain aneurysms and how little people know about the warning signs.I want to help spread the word so that lives can be saved.

I recently put on a concert at my alma mater, Thayer Academy in Braintree, Massachusetts, on behalf of my uncle Patrick to raise money for the foundation. We were able to raise 20K in support of brain aneurysm research which will go towards another Patrick Fettuccia Chair of Research and will be awarded in Boston at the 18th Annual Research Grant Symposium and 30th Anniversary celebration in September of 2024. Patrick was my biggest fan so there was no better way to honor him than through my music!

EVAN GIIA in concert on October 27, 2023 at Thayer Academy in Braintree, MA

Written and produced by EVAN GIIA + MEMBA

EVAN GIIA wrote the lyrics of this song shortly after Patrick’s passing as a message of hope to her family. EVAN GIIA was lucky enough to hold Patrick’s hand at the very end and wanted to keep that memory alive in song. 

Listen to Swim

Follow EVAN GIIA on Instagram