Brain Aneurysm Foundation BAF Changemakers: Sam Fettuccia and Beta Theta Pi at Colgate University
Beta Theta Pi Fraternity Brothers – Colgate University in Hamilton, NY
The fraternity, Beta Theta Pi, at Colgate University wanted to hold one last philanthropy event before the end of the semester. In support of their fraternity brother, Sam Fettuccia, whose father passed from a brain aneurysm, they decided to support the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. 100% of the proceeds from the fraternity’s philanthropy events are donated to the cause.
The fraternity, which currently consists of about 50 members, is constantly looking to help the community. They have hosted food and blood drives in the past but wanted to switch things up a bit this time and decided to host a co-ed Pickleball tournament. The fraternity was pleased with the turnout and raised more than they were expecting!
Beta Theta Pi hopes that choosing the BAF as their cause will encourage other fraternities and sororities at Colgate and around the country to choose the BAF as an organization to raise money for as well. They are hoping to make raising money for the BAF and the fight against brain aneurysms a yearly event.
BAF: Tell us a little about your connection with brain aneurysms.
SF: In December of 2019, when I was a junior in high school, my father Patrick collapsed in the stands at one of my hockey games and passed away the following day from a ruptured brain aneurysm.
BAF: When did you first learn about the BAF?
SF: My family learned about the BAF in 2022 when my brother Eddie was looking for a sponsor for the Boston Marathon. We came across the BAF and thought it would be the perfect fit. Through his marathon fundraising efforts, Eddie raised over $20,000 enabling us to fund the first Patrick Fettuccia Chair of Research, which was awarded in September of 2022. Since then, our family has been in frequent touch with the organization and trying to raise money for the BAF in memory of my father.
My cousin EVAN GIIA, an electric pop artist, held a concert this past November in honor of my father which also raised over $20,000 for the BAF and will fund another chair of research.
Brain aneurysms are a severely underfunded and under-researched disease that affect a lot more people than everyone thinks. Every donation has the potential to save a life. – Sam Fettuccia
BAF: Why is it important for you to be an advocate for the BAF community?
SF: Since my dad’s passing, our family wants to raise awareness and help raise money to support research. We knew nothing about brain aneurysms prior to 2019, and now it is something that is a part of our lives. Brain aneurysms are a severely underfunded and under-researched disease that affect a lot more people than everyone thinks. Every donation has the potential to save a life.
Sam (L) with his brother Eddie, dad Patrick, mom Evan and brother J.C.