Charging from the Sidelines while Battling Back from an Aneurysm

Everyday I seem to be hit from a different direction to hear of yet another innocent victim fallen prey to these sudden killers we call aneurysms.  Just yesterday, my dear friend, Jonthan Mayo, who writes for MLB and helps greatly with the foundation sent me an article of a young woman who that just a few months ago experienced a ruptured brain aneurysm.  Amber Gray, a sophomore forward for the University of Tennessee was recovering from a routine shoulder surgery when her lungs filled with fluid and she suffered a stroke, that ultimately led to a brain aneurysm.  This young, vivacious teen had no clue that this ticking time bomb in her head could have prevented her from waking up the next morning.  Fortunately, the aneurysm was treated quickly and effectively and Amber cheer her team on from the sidelines this season as she continues to recover.  Gray hopes to be part of the Volunteers winning team in the future, but for now her recovery come first. 

Amber, charge forward and God bless you and your continued recovery.  May you be the voice and inspiration for others.

Amber cheers on her teammates during practice

Legends Fantasy Baseball Camp is Coming!

Grab your glove and dust off those cleats…Legends Fantasy Camp is hitting the streets.  The Joe Niekro Foundation and Character and Courage Foundation have teamed up to bring you a baseball camp unlike any other.  Learn the subtle nuances of the game from four Hall of Fame greats and six former major leaguers, as you experience five fun filled days in the city that never sleeps…Las Vegas, Nevada. Its baseball by day and blackjack by night as you play America’s favorite pastime with some of the game’s greatest legends. 

 We’re looking for a select group to be a part of this Legends experience, managed by Hall of Fame greats; George Brett, Phil Niekro, Gaylord Perry and Ozzie Smith. Legends Fantasy Camp features three days of baseball, including tryouts and team selection, plus an 18 hole golf scramble tournament.  Cashman Field, home of the AAA Toronto Blue Jays, is where our campers will find their own locker, complete with customized home and away uniforms, plus all the extras they need for the week…and a few surprises along the way.  It is here where our lucky players will discover what happens both on…and off the field.  .

 Campers will be hosted at the brand new Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino, September 26-October 1, where they will be treated like royalty, enjoying a lavish welcome reception, daily group breakfast and lunch, discounted spa services and full use of the fitness center…just in case the daily grind at  the field isn’t enough of a workout.  Wednesday, September 29^th, it’s a day on the links as campers will swing their golf clubs instead of their baseball bats and tee it up at the beautiful Legacy Golf Resort.

 The Joe Niekro Foundation was founded by Joe’s daughter Natalie, and is committed to the awareness and funding for brain aneurysm research, treatment and education.   Character and Courage is dedicated to enriching the lives of deserving children through baseball and fulfilling dreams for the less fortunate.  Both are registered 501 c-3 organizations, which means that your involvement in The Legends Fantasy Camp is not only tax deductible, but going to benefit two wonderful foundations, the first working hard to advance neurological medical research for brain aneurysms, a condition effecting 1 in 50 people; and the later, giving hope and inspiring today’s youth through the game we all love…baseball.

We invite you to join us for an unforgettable five days of fun and promise it will be an experience you will never forget.  There are only a limited number of slots available, so don’t wait, get signed up today. To become part of this exclusive group, contact Natalie Niekro at 602-318-1013.

 We look forward to welcoming you at The Legends Fantasy Camp…Playing for a Cause.

 

When you touch the heart of one, you touch the heart of thousands

Yesterday, I had the amazing opportunity to speak to a group of students in the medical assisting program at Keiser University.  The class wasn’t huge, about 125 people, but what an extraordinary group of men and women.  As I stood at the podium in the front of the auditorium, I felt that every ounce of their attention was drawn to my story.  I made it a point to tell them that I wasn’t there to speak medical jargon; but instead I was there to share my real life experience and personal story of how an aneurysm effected my life and family.  It just so happened that this was the week they were studying the brain, so my story fit perfectly. The 45 minute talk covered everything from my childhood and growing up the daughter of a baseball player, the incredible relationship Dad and I shared, the last conversation we had the night before his aneurysm, the foundation, treatment, our mission and where we are today.  And I realized that when I opened my heart, they did too.  I was truly amazed at the number of people that shared their own stories of ones they had lost to an aneurysm.  In a room of 125 people, seven of them shared a story about a loved one they had lost to this silent killer (and that was just those that volunteered).  The ratio in the room became even more evident of why this funding is so vital.  If seven shared their story, imagine how many others have one but didn’t share???  I was honored to be a part of yesterday’s class and thank the staff and students for their full and undivided attention.  The more people we can reach, the more we can touch and yesterday, I know that I touched so many more than just the 125 in that room.  The future lies within us, so please continue to share this foundation, the mission and why we are joining in a crusade to fight these enemies we call aneurysms.

New Aneursym Treatment Method Involves Liquid

The development of aneurysm research has expanded.  The FDA has recently approved a liquid material called Onyx 500 that will join clipping and coiling as the methods of treating aneurysms.   This procedure is less invasive than the traditional open skull surgery or platinum coils, and  involves threading a catheter through the patient’s groin area and blood vessels and up to the brain.  Then Onyx HD 500 liquid is then administered to the aneurysm, instead of the traditional coiling method.

When the Onyx 500 liquid makes contact with blood inside the bulging aneurysm, it becomes a firm pudding-like substance and works like concrete to stabilize the aneurysm and prevent more blood from entering and causing it to rupture. It is most effective with irregularly-shaped intracranial aneurysms where open surgery or coiling alone wouldn’t be able to do the trick.

In 20 percent of patients whose brain aneurysms are treated with coils, the surgery must be redone because the coils shift and blood re-enters the bulge.  This new treatment method certainly offers neurosurgeons an alternative when it comes to treating aneurysms, and is certainly less invasive for the patient. 

This just shows that the funding of aneurysm research is vital and great things are being done when you help the cause.  Thank you for being part of the fight with me.

The Bond Unbroken

Just a few days ago I wrote of Michele Dolymer, just 55 years young, with an admiring husband of 33 years and two beautiful daughters who lost her life unexpectedly to a brain aneusym.  At that time, the Dolymer family discovered The Joe Niekro Foundation and decided to lend their support of brain aneurysm research by requesting that donations are made to the foundation in leiu of flowers.  Not only was I honored that they chose this foundation to support, but little did I know what was about to come out of this, a new friend in her precious daughter Lauren.  Lauren and I share a commonality, although not one either of us would ever wish for - we both lost a parent way too early in life.   How sad it is that it took this tragic loss to bring this family and I together, yet how quickly we immediately developed a bond that will continue to support throughout the years. I have to believe that Dad played a hand in allowing us to meet and support one another.  My thoughts and prayers are with this precious family and the rough road that lies ahead.

Why? Why? Why?

Far too often, I receive an email or a phone call from someone who has experienced the loss of a loved one to an aneurysm.  Just yesterday, I received a call from a man who had lost his wife just two days before to the dreaded killer we have come to know as a ruptured aneurysm.  Just 55 years young, this woman lost her life, with no warning signs or indication that she had a ticking time bomb in her brain.  The statistics I have learned in just the two short years since I started this foundation are mind boggling to me.  1 in 15 people will develop an aneuysm….and most without any symptoms to alarm them that something may be wrong.  These statistics have to decrease!  These sudden killers have got to be detected….and it is up to us to spread the word about how important this research and education is so desperately needed.  Please join me in this fight so that together we can help stop these all too common phone calls in which I hear of another innocent life lost to this curse we know as aneurysms.  For those of you who have experienced this loss, may God be with you.  Now, lets join forces, make a difference and help educate others….just one life saved, is one less lost and WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.  Thank you Dean for your call yesterday and know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Save the Date, Knuckle Ball 2010 Date is Set

Mark your Calendars,  the 2nd Annual Knuckle Ball will take place November 13th, 2010 at Minute Maid Park in Houston.  You won’t want to miss this amazing black tie gala, packed with MLB, NFL and NBA legends.   Already confirmed athletes include, Phil and Lance Niekro, Ozzie Smith, Joe Morgan, Robin Roberts, Dave Stewart, Lee Smith, Mike Scott, Byron Browne, Dave Bergman, David Casper, Gregg Bingham, Dave Duerson, with many more to come.  Stay tuned for more info, but plan now to attend this spectacular gala.   The first Knuckle Ball held this past July 31stm raised over $450,000 to benefit brain aneurysm research and treatment.  Together, we can fight this silent killer.  Please join me November 13th for an evening you will never forget.  Houston, here we come.  To find out more, visit www.joeniekrofoundation.org.

Giving Thanks is an Everyday Privilege

While America is about to indulge on turkey, stuffing, potatoes, pumpkin pie and all the yummy foods that come with Thanksgiving Dinner, I have to ask myself, why is it that Giving Thanks is boiled down into one day?  I am thankful everyday…thankful for God, my family, my health, my career…thankful for LIFE.  Most of us know how quickly life can be taken and how precious making every second count really is.  So on this eve of Thanksgiving, I ask all of you to not just be thankful tomorrow, but be thankful everyday…because life is precious, life is fruitful and life IS loving.  Treasure each day, every hug and smile you give and receive, and make the most out of this joyous life that God has given you.  Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and God bless you and your family.

A Very Special Man was Born on this Day in 1944

Joe Niekro - 1967

Today marks what would be my Dad’s 65th birthday.  On this day in 1944, my hero was born and now leaves a legacy effecting the lives of thousands.  God was definitely looking out for me the day he brought me into this world, to the two most incredible parents on the planet.  I thank Him everyday for giving me such loving, warm and giving parents.  Although today is a sad day since Dad is not here for me to share in his special day, it is a day that I realize how truly lucky I am to have known this incredible man that I have the privilege to call my father.  And tonight, as I will be speaking to thousands on Brain Aneurysm Awareness Week at the Rising Stars Game for the AZ Fall League, I am honored to give Dad the most precious birthday gift of all…a tribute to him!  Tonight, we will witness how Dad’s life touched others then and still today, as a check for $13975 is given to The Joe Niekro Foundation as a result of last week’s strike-outs from all AZ Fall League Pitchers wearing one of the seven uniforms Dad did during his career.  Not only did the four sponsors step up to the plate with their $36 per strike-out contribution, but every one of the seven teams will be doing the same thing…a true tribute a man that influenced people’s lives every single day.   For those that knew Dad, I guarantee they will all agree, that they became a better person by having him in their life.  Not a day goes by that I don’t have someone tell me how wonderful my father was.  So, today, we celebrate and honor a man that gave so many people so many beautiful memories, and me, a life I am so thankful to have.  I love you Dad!

Brain Aneurysm Awareness Weeks Raises over $11,000

The K’s added up this past week as the AZ Fall League honored Joe Niekro, claiming the week of 10/26 as Brain Aneurysm Awareness Week.  Strike-outs represented donations to the foundation, so as many guys went down swinging this past week, at least they left the plate knowing their swings were going to a good cause.  As pitchers from the Cubs, Padres, Tigers, Braves, Astros, Yankees and Twins (the seven teams Niekro played for during his career), were throwing the heat, the dollars were racking up.   A very special thank you to Coulter Motor Company in Tempe, Pure Fitness, Ms. TC Schuttler, and Mr. Matthew Tarini, each committing to $36 for every strike-out from these teams.  That’s $144 per K. The participating pitchers saved the best for last, racking up 17 K’s on Saturday, the most for any one day this week. It was a great week for a wonderful cause. If you watch MLB Network’s broadcast of the Rising Stars Showcase on Saturday, Nov. 7, you might be able to see Natalie Niekro on hand for the check ceremony. And she might be able to celebrate more than just the $11,000+ from the fundraiser. Several teams, when they found out about the week’s events, agreed to step up and make a donation in honor of their pitchers performing in the Fall League. The Cubs, Astros and Yankees all said they would make a donation, particularly if their pitchers struck out the most batters this week. Details to come on just what’s being done — and if other teams agree to join in. Here’s how the standings finished:

Yankees- 15 K

Tigers – 15 K

Astros - 10 K

Braves – 10 K

Cubs – 9 K

Twins – 9 K

Padres – 9 K

 It was definitely a prosperous week, not just for the 77 strike-outs logged, but also for the great awareness brought to The Joe Niekro Foundation.  Monday, October 26, didn’t just mark the beginning of Brain Aneurysm Awareness Week, but sadly also represented the three year date of Joe Niekro’s aneurysm.  As we venture into a continued partnership with the AZ Fall League, The Joe Niekro Foundation also looks forward to the opportunity of taking this concept nationwide during Spring Training and the MLB season, so look for the concept to come to your favorite team very soon.