Brain Aneurysm Foundation BAF Changemaker: Tom Belsito
Tom Belsito of Shrewsbury, MA with his aunt, Eilyana “Ann” Rose.
Tom Belsito, whose connection to brain aneurysms is deeply personal and rooted in both resilience and remembrance, shares his story below. Inspired by his aunt’s ongoing journey and his grandmother’s experience decades earlier, Tom is turning that connection into action by raising awareness and running the 2026 Boston Marathon for Team BAF. Tom has already raised over $12,500 to help create a future with better outcomes for all.
BAF: Tell us a little about your connection with brain aneurysms.
TB: Seven years ago, my aunt, Eilyana “Ann” Rose, was diagnosed with two brain aneurysms. Since then, I’ve worn a red Brain Aneurysm Foundation bracelet on my wrist every day. It serves as a reminder of her strength as she courageously lives with her diagnosis. Her medical doctors in Boston have been instrumental in closely monitoring the growth of the aneurysms. I also wear it in memory of my grandmother, Eilyana Turpin, who experienced a brain aneurysm in the late 1970s when awareness and treatment were significantly more limited.
When my grandmother went through her surgeries, her prognosis was quite grim. My mother recalled my grandmother describing the worst headache of her life and not being able to get out of bed, a highly unusual circumstance for a mother of seven. My grandmother was rushed into brain surgery without much notice for anyone to understand what exactly was happening. After many weeks in the hospital and requiring significant support for her recovery, my grandmother returned home and was determined to overcome all odds. No longer being able to drive due to seizures, my grandfather became a pillar of strength for the family. Upon hearing Ann’s diagnosis, fear overwhelmed my family; however, my late grandfather immediately stated that my aunt’s journey would not be my grandmother’s journey, largely thanks to medical advances and the wonderful work of BAF. Watching my aunt walk this path and in memory of my grandmother, I’m endlessly grateful for the physicians and specialists who treat patients with brain aneurysms, and for the awareness and research making that care possible. My family’s story of the two Eilyanas inspires me to raise awareness and support research, so more families can have hope and better outcomes.
BAF: When did you first learn about the BAF?
TB: I first learned about the Brain Aneurysm Foundation around the time of my aunt’s diagnosis seven years ago. As my family looked for new information, support, and ways to get involved, we discovered the incredible work BAF does to raise awareness, support patients and families, and fund critical research. Since then, the organization has become an important part of our family’s advocacy and support for this cause.
BAF: Have you participated in any BAF events? What did that experience mean to you?
TB: My family has proudly supported BAF events over the years. My aunt and many family members have participated in multiple Brain Aneurysm Foundation walks, and my mom ran the Falmouth Road Race in support of the organization. While those experiences were meaningful for our family, running the 2026 Boston Marathon for Team BAF is especially significant for me. It allows me to continue our family’s commitment to raising awareness and supporting research while honoring both my aunt and my grandmother. After I complete the Boston Marathon, be on the lookout for more family members as my aunt’s son and his wife, Matt and Alexa Rose, will run Falmouth for BAF in August!
BAF: How do you explain the importance of brain aneurysm awareness to people who may not know much about it?
TB: Many people don’t realize how common and serious brain aneurysms can be, and often they’re discovered unexpectedly. Raising awareness helps people understand the risks, recognize symptoms, and support the research needed to improve treatment and outcomes. Awareness also helps families affected by aneurysms know they are not alone and that there is a community and organization like BAF working to support them.
BAF: What does the BAF community mean to you?
TB: The BAF community represents hope, strength, and support. It brings together survivors, families, advocates, and medical professionals who are all committed to making a difference. Seeing so many people come together to support research and raise awareness reminds me that no family has to face this journey alone.
BAF: If you could share one thing with the world about brain aneurysms, what would it be?
TB: I would want people to know how important awareness and research are. Brain aneurysms can affect anyone, often without warning. The more we talk about them and support organizations like the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, the more progress we can make in improving detection, treatment, and outcomes for people and families facing this diagnosis.
To support Tom in his fundraising efforts for the Boston Marathon please visit his fundraising page below.
