What began as a search for a baby goat quickly became a fight for survival when an undiagnosed brain aneurysm ruptured. Today, Tamara shares her story to encourage others to listen to their bodies, seek medical attention when something feels wrong, and find support after a brain aneurysm.

---

In March 2022, I walked into a pasture looking for a baby goat and instead came face to face with a billy goat that had escaped its enclosure. I tried everything to get away and screamed for help. I remember it feeling like a shade was slowly being drawn over my eyelids before someone finally cut a hole in the fence, and I was able to escape. I blacked out shortly after I reached the other side.

I woke up at home after spending 4 weeks in the ICU and 1 week in rehab. I was told I had a brain bleed, an ischemic stroke, and a hemorrhagic stroke. I also had an unknown aneurysm over 5mm that burst when my blood pressure skyrocketed during the chase. I had to learn everything over again. I still live with a long list of challenges, with neuro fatigue being the hardest.

Before all of this, I had a headache behind my left eye for four months, something I now wish I hadn’t ignored. I share my story because I want others to take symptoms seriously and get checked—medical bills are worth it compared to losing your life.

The Brain Aneurysm Foundation community means a lot to me because I don’t feel so alone and isolated anymore.