Pittsburgh, September 5, 2026 — Faculty and staff from the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery joined survivors, families, and supporters at the Brain Aneurysm Foundation's annual Pittsburgh Run/Walk, held August 15 at North Shore Riverfront Park.
Left to right: Brad Gross, MD; Sarah Kwiatkowski, FNP-C; Michael Lang, MD
Known locally as the Pittsburgh 5K for Brain Aneurysm and AVM Awareness, the event follows a course along the Allegheny River and draws survivors, caregivers, clinicians, and families from across the region. Proceeds support the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, which funds research grants, patient education, and awareness efforts. The department team raised $3,495 this year.
Sarah Kwiatkowski, FNP-C, a certified registered nurse practitioner in the department, led the planning from the Pitt Neurosurgery side. She also helps coordinate the Western Pennsylvania Brain Aneurysm and AVM Support Group, which connects many of the patients and families who take part each year.
"There is so much joy in helping to organize the Brain Aneurysm and AVM 5K," Kwiatkowski said. "Being able to see so many people come together to support a wonderful cause and raise awareness is incredibly rewarding. Many of the survivors and families from the event I have had the opportunity to get to know personally either as a patient or through the support group, which makes it even more special. It is by far one of the best parts of my role here with Pitt Neurosurgery."
Department faculty treat brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and other neurovascular conditions through the Center for Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery. Recognizing the warning signs of a brain aneurysm and seeking prompt evaluation remain central to the awareness message the event carries each year.
