Brain Aneurysm Foundation BAF Changemaker: Laura Crawford
Laura Crawford of Clare, MI with sister, brain aneurysm survivor, Sarah
When Laura Crawford was a senior in college, her sister Sarah suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm at just 22 years old. While Sarah fought for her life, Laura dedicated herself to learning everything she could about brain aneurysms. This journey led her to discover the Brain Aneurysm Foundation (BAF), sparking a commitment to advocacy and awareness that continues to make an impact today.
BAF: Tell us a little about your connection with brain aneurysms.
LC: When my older sister Sarah was just 22 years old, she suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm. With only a 10% chance of survival, she was airlifted to the University of Michigan for urgent care. At the time, I knew nothing about brain aneurysms and felt like I was drinking out of a firehose, trying to educate myself and make sense of everything her medical team was telling us.
BAF: When did you first learn about the BAF?
LC: One of the only things I could do that seemed productive while my sister fought for her life in the hospital was learn as much as I could about brain aneurysms. That search led me to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, which became an invaluable resource. I was shocked to discover the severe lack of federal funding for brain aneurysm research. My sister had racked up substantial medical bills, and at the time, the government only spent $0.83 per person afflicted toward research for everything my family went through.
BAF: Why is it important for you to be an advocate for the BAF community?
LC: When I checked out how to get involved with the BAF, I noticed that one of their biggest fundraisers was hosting a 5K event. I had only ever participated in two 5Ks at that point, but still, I decided to go out on a limb and spend my senior year of college putting together the first Brain Aneurysm Awareness 5K in Michigan with the help of the BAF.
This year will be our 8th annual event, and we will surpass $100,000 in cumulative funds raised for brain aneurysm research and education.
Putting on this event has been rewarding in so many ways. Families come and make their own t-shirts honoring their loved ones, share stories, and feel they are really contributing to something meaningful and cathartic for them. I couldn’t do it without the fantastic team at the Brain Aneurysm Foundation!
The 2025 Annual Brain Aneurysm Foundation Michigan Run/Walk will take place on Saturday, May 3rd.
Keep track of event details here.