Pittsburgh, September 21, 2018 -- The Brain Aneurysm Foundation's 12th Annual Research Grant Symposium—an opportunity to bring together the best and brightest medical professionals, and recognize and support their collective work in brain aneurysm research and treatment—was held September 20 at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel.
The symposium showcased $500,000 of research funded by the Brain Aneurysm Foundation awarded to fourteen different research professionals from across the country. Funding was made possible by the hard work of BAF supporters and their efforts to raise donations through various BAF events.
“Despite the fact that 1 in 50 people have a brain aneurysm, the federal government only spends 83 cents per year on brain aneurysm research for each person afflicted,” said Christine Buckley, executive director of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. “We are honored to award research grants that support a variety of brain aneurysm research. This research has potential to change the trajectory for brain aneurysm survivors.”
During the evening, CNBC senior personal finance correspondent and brain aneurysm survivor Sharon Epperson presented the first Sharon Epperson Chair of Research Grant. The $15,000 grant was awarded to renowned neurologist and researcher Brian Hoh, MD, James and Brigitte Marino Family Professor and Chair of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida. Dr. Hoh is researching the formation of brain aneurysms, as well as innovative tissue engineering technology to improve treatments. The grant was made possible by generous contributions to the BAF from CNBC, as well as Epperson’s friends and family.
“I am very grateful for the support that I have received from my employer, colleagues, friends and family, who have encouraged me to raise awareness about this disease and research funds for a cure,” Epperson said. “I am excited to be working with the BAF to help ensure research professionals have sufficient resources to detect aneurysms as early as possible and develop innovative treatments for patients.”
[See also KDKA-TV report Pittsburgh Native, Financial Correspondent Sharon Epperson On Surviving Brain Aneurysm: ‘Just Being Here Is Such A Blessing’]