September is Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month, highlighting a condition that affects tens of thousands of people nationwide each year.
September is Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month, highlighting a condition that affects tens of thousands of people nationwide each year.
Nearly 30,000 Americans experience a brain aneurysm each year, and one in 50 people have an unruptured aneurysm.
Brain aneurysm survivor Linda Lowry said her life changed “seven years ago this month,” when she suffered a stroke.
“It was seven years ago this month, Sept. 10," Lowry said. "I went in. I had a stroke. Dr. Loh found the brain aneurysm and did surgery, and it ruptured. Thankfully, I was in a controlled environment."
Lowry’s surgeon, Dr. Yince Loh, is the Director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Providence Swedish Neuroscience Institute
Dr. Loh specializes in neurointerventional surgery and neurocritical care at Swedish Cerebrovascular Center.
He and Lowry spoke with KOMO News Anchor Holly Menino about the warning signs and risk factors, as well as screening and treatment options.
After surgery, Lowry continued her recovery at home with in-home care that included occupational therapy, physical therapy, and brain cognitive therapy.
A former college athlete who played soccer at Chapman University, Lowry focused on mindset, measured goals, and gratitude as she worked to regain skills, including relearning how to walk, climb stairs, and use language.
Lowry also serves on the board of Providence O’Christmas Trees, which holds annual events to raise money for its mission of ensuring high-quality in-home care is provided for those who need it.
She now advocates for in-home healthcare. Lowry is a board member of Providence O’Christmas Trees, which she says provides critical support for individuals who do not have adequate healthcare, or no healthcare at all.
Since 2000, O’Christmas Trees has raised over $18 million to fund charity care and essential services for seniors and vulnerable individuals in our community.
This year’s goal is $1.3 million, raised through a three-day celebration including the Family Preview (Nov. 30), Silver Bells Luncheon (Dec. 1), and Gala Dinner & Auction (Dec. 2).
For public resources and more information, follow this link.
