Brain Aneurysm Foundation BAF Changemaker: Sarah Joyce
Since 2023, Sarah Joyce has honored the memory of her sister, Kristen, by bringing family, friends, and community members together for an annual event benefiting the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. What began as a tribute to Kristen’s life has grown into a powerful tradition that raises awareness, funds critical research, and offers hope to those affected by brain aneurysms. With the 4th Annual Event taking place on July 26, 2026, Sarah and her community will have raised more than $10,000 in support of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation’s mission to save lives through education, support, advocacy, and research.
BAF: Tell us a little about your connection with brain aneurysms.
SJ: In August 2018 I received a call from my father that my sister Kristen had had a stroke and was being rushed by helicopter to a trauma hospital in Adelaide, Australia where she resided at the time. Kristen had a massive hemorrhagic stroke from an undiagnosed ruptured brain aneurysm. I flew urgently to Australia to be with her however the brain damage from the rupture was too severe for survival. Prior to her tragic loss, I had some knowledge of brain aneurysms due to my work as a medical speech-language pathologist and have had the great privilege of helping survivors rehabilitate speech and swallowing during their recoveries.
BAF: When did you first learn about the BAF?
SJ: Following my sister’s death, it became very important to me to find a way to honor her life by helping others. Kristen had no known symptoms of her brain aneurysm and we were blindsided by her loss. I discovered the BAF and reached out to discuss opportunities for fundraising. I now host an annual “Brews for Brains” fundraising event in her honor, with the help of many friends and family including my parents and Kristen’s best friend, Stephanie. This event brings the community together in a very special way to support an important cause and we know Kristen would be so proud. We hope to continue this event each year to celebrate Kristen’s life and support the mission of the BAF!
BAF: Have you participated in any BAF events? What did that experience mean to you?
SJ: In addition to my annual event in central MA, I have also participated in a BAF walk where I live in Chicago. I would love to continue my participation in many more BAF events!
BAF: How do you explain the importance of brain aneurysm awareness to people who may not know much about it?
SJ: Brain aneurysms are more common and more devastating than most people know. 1 in 50 people has a brain aneurysm and ruptures are fatal in up to 50% of cases! More lives may be saved by increasing awareness of brain aneurysm incidence, risk and treatment.
BAF: What does the BAF community mean to you?
SJ: The BAF community means connection, support and hope. Getting involved with the BAF has allowed me to meet with other families who have lost loved ones and also survivors. The support we can provide for each other is invaluable.
BAF: If you could share one thing with the world about brain aneurysms, what would it be?
SJ: Early detection and prevention are critical to saving lives. I hope people will be encouraged to evaluate their family histories, ascertain their risk factors and identify potential symptoms in order to appropriately diagnose and treat aneurysms before they rupture.
