3rd Annual Knuckleball to Feature The Joe Niekro Humanitarian Award

The 3rd Annual Knuckle Ball…A Ptich for Life is jus around the corner.  With this year’s event fast approaching, there’s one man who will surely be in the crowd, Mr. J. Kent Friedman.

Haynes and Boone, LLP Partner J. Kent Friedman has been named the inaugural recipient of the Joe Niekro Humanitarian Award, honoring civic service to the Houston community.

“We are privileged to have Mr. J. Kent Friedman as the inaugural recipient of this award,” said Natalie Niekro, daughter of the famed Houston pitcher and president of The Joe Niekro Foundation. “The Joe Niekro Humanitarian Award honors outstanding commitment and contributions to the Houston community. Mr. Friedman is the epitome of what this award represents. It is with great pleasure that we recognize his service and dedication.”

Friedman is a longtime Houston legal, business and civic leader. He serves as chairman of the board of the Harris County– Houston Sports Authority, and serves on the boards of several charitable and corporate entities. Friedman has been recognized by several organizations for his community involvement, including the Houston Bar Auxiliary, which awarded him its Leon Jaworski Award that is given annually to the attorney inHoustonwho has done the most to make a difference in the community.

The award will be presented to Friedman at the third annual Knuckle Ball…A Pitch for Life event April 28 at Minute Maid Park in Houston. To learn more about the event and purchase tickets, visit www.joeniekrofoundation.org/knuckleball.

 

The Real Meaning of Christmas

It’s that time of year again. December is here and with it all the joys of the holiday season. But what is the real meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows, the cards in the mail, turkey dinners with family and friends, snow in the yard, stockings hanging in the living room, and shouts of “Merry Christmas” to those who pass us in the streets? Is this really Christmas?

For many people, including myself, Christmas brings great joy, but it also brings great sorrow.  We see so many people who don’t have the extra money to buy presents for their children, family, and friends. Many of us are saddened as we think of a loved one who will not be able to come home for various reasons or it may remind us of those we have lost.

Yet, Christmas can be a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. Tomorrow we will be celebrating the birth of the Christ child. God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born. His birth brought great joy to the world. Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event. They knew this was no ordinary baby. The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before. The star stopped over Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child.

Why did He come? Why did God send His son to this sometimes cruel and hard world? He sent Jesus to us so that one day, He would grow up to become a very important part of history. His story (history) is one of truth, love, and hope. It brought salvation to all of us. Without Jesus, we would all die in our sins.

Jesus was born so one day the price could be paid for the things we have done that are wrong. The Bible says that all have sinned. We are all born with a sin nature. We do things that do not please God. Through the sins of Adam and Eve, we have all inherited that sin nature. We need to have that removed. The only way is through Jesus. Jesus came so He could die on the cross for ALL of our sins. If we believe that Jesus died for our sins, we can ask Him to come into our hearts and forgive us. Then, we are clean and made whole. We can know that heaven is a place where we can go to when this life is over.

“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.” I John 1:9

We can truly be happy at Christmas! No matter what may be happening, we can know that we are His children. We then become sons and daughters of God. Heaven will be our home one day.

Look at Christmas in a new way this year. This is the year to invite Jesus into your heart. You will then have a “Merry Christmas.” The joy and peace you will receive will last all year as you look to God for all your needs to be met.

So as we celebrate this holiday, lets turn our faces to the heavens and be so thankful for what Jesus did to save each and every one of us.

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season! Rejoice!

Measuring Unruptured Aneurysms

This novel study established a new standard for the measurement of aneurysm treatment success, target aneurysm recurrence rate, and proves that coiling in an excellent treatment for ruptured and unruptured aneurysms.

Begun in 2007, the MAPS trial is the largest, most rigorous randomized controlled study to-date on the clinical effectiveness of coils for treating both ruptured and unruptured aneurysms, which are estimated to affect approximately 5% of the population. Designed and led by Principal Investigators S. Claiborne Johnston, M.D., Ph.D., Cameron McDougall, M.D., and Anil Gholkar, O.B.E., M.B.B.S., the trial examined 626 patients worldwide with a single aneurysm.

Implanted in more than 250,000 patients worldwide, GDC Detachable Coils are made of very soft platinum wire and were the first coils cleared by the FDA for the minimally invasive treatment of brain aneurysms in 1995.  Cleared in 2002, Matrix2 Detachable Coils incorporate a PGLA polymer on the outside of a traditional platinum coil that is designed to degrade over time and promote rapid tissue development within the aneurysm.

Matrix Coils employ a proprietary outer copolymer coil over an inner platinum main coil. The copolymer runs the entire length of the main coil and constitutes approximately 70% of total coil volume.

“While the neurovascular specialty commonly measures aneurysm treatment success with angiographic images, we believe success should be more closely aligned with patients’ clinical outcomes,” Mark Paul, president of Stryker Neurovascular, was quoted as saying. “The MAPS Trial demonstrates the validity of TAR as a clinical endpoint and proves aneurysm coiling is a very effective therapy with excellent clinical outcomes.”

In the trial, 96% of patients with unruptured aneurysms and 90% of patients with acutely ruptured aneurysms were alive and free of disability out to 15 months after treatment. Trial results also demonstrate that, overall, Matrix2 Detachable Coils are as effective as GDC Detachable Coils (TAR rates of 13.3% vs. 14.6%, respectively).  In aneurysms with good occlusion (minimal blood flow entering the aneurysm) immediately post procedure, Matrix2 Detachable Coils demonstrate a statistically significant, superior long-term TAR rate of 2.7% compared to GDC Detachable Coils (9.6%).

SOURCE: Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) 8th Annual Meeting in Colorado Springs

 

Thank You Minnesota! The Twin Cities ROCK!

Foundation Board Member, Kari Ulrich and Medical Advisory Board Member, Dr. Robert Brown, join Natalie Niekro with Tim Laudner (left), Dan Gladden (center) and Tony Oliva (right) for the pre-game autograph session

What a day, what a day, what a day!!!!!  It was Brain Aneurysm Awareness Day at Target Field in honor of The Joe Niekro Foundation.  My day started with a fabulous pre-game autograph signing session with former Minnesota Twins players Dan Gladden, Tim Laudner and Tony Oliva.  Hundreds lined up to make a $20 donation to The Joe Niekro Foundation in exchange for a Wanna Get Lucky? shirt that would then be autographed by these three greats.  What can I say – not only are these three amazing, but the Minnesota fans are too!  What smiles, positive attitudes and compliments they made as they made their way through the long line.  My right hand gal through it all – Mrs. Kari Ulrich – without you Kari, today would never have been what it was.  I can’t thank you enough for your vivacious energy, fundraising tenacity and pure commitment to our cause.

Kari and Natalie sporting their Wanna Get Lucky? shirts

Kari, an aneurysm survivor herself, didn’t slow down once today!  As we made our way onto the field for the pre-game ceremony with Dr. Robert Brown, neurologist and brain specialist from Mayo Clinic, we were welcomed by a wonderful applause from the Minnesota fans, with their generosity continuing through the night as we collected donations through the foundation’s Text to Give campaign.  As message boards lit up around the stadium with “Text STRIKEOUT to 20222 and make a $10 donation to The Joe Niekro Foundation” we watched hundreds grabbing their cell phones in support of our cause.  We want to thank all those that supported us today, plan to support us in the future and will continue to spread the word about our organization and mission.

If you haven’t yet, grab your phone now and Knuckle Up for Aneurysm Research – text STRIKEOUT to 20222!  Your donation WILL make a difference.

Text STRIKEOUT to 20222 and make a $10 donation to support brain aneursym research, treatment and awareness

Get ready for a fantastic Monday as we honor Joe Niekro at Joker Marchant Stadium for the Yankees vs. Tigers Spring Training Game.

Niekro Day a HUGE Success

Thousands of fans packed in the Detroit Tigers vs. Florida Souther Moccasins exhibition game, today at Joker Marchant Stadium.  In collaboration with the Tigers 75th Anniversary of Spring Training in Lakeland Florida, today also commemorated the 25th anniversary of this exhibition game between these two teams. 

To honor this special day, The Detroit Tigers paid tribute to former Tiger pitcher, Joe Niekro and The Joe Niekro Foundation.  Starting the game, was president and founder of the foundation, Natalie Niekro, throwing out the first pitch to who else, but her brother, assistant coach of the Moccasins, Lance Niekro.  The Joe Niekro Foundation used today as a chance to bring awareness to the foundation, while promoting their national Wanna Get Lucky? initiative and the Text to Give campaign, which allows people to make a $10 donation straight from their cell phone simply by texting the word STRIKEOUT to 20222.  Today’s outcome was such a success that The Tigers have invited the foundation back to the stadium on March 1st to continue raising money for brain aneurysm research and treatment.  

While at Joker Marchant, Natalie was able to meet The Westdorp’s, a family who lost their 40 year old son to a brain aneurysm just days before this past Christmas.  Chris Westdorp was a loving father of two beautiful children who now are left behind to try and make sense of the silent killer that just took their father.  The Joe Niekro Foundation will be making a donation to the Westdorp family from the proceeds made throughout the week from Wanna Get Lucky? t-shirt sales and any Text to Give donations that come through.

We invite you to take part in this special tribute by purchasing your Wanna Get Lucky? shirt today or by simply texting STRIKEOUT to 20222.  Your strikeout WILL make a difference.  Thank you for your support and for continuing to help bring awareness to the enemies we know as aneurysms.

Natalie Niekro outside Joker Marchant Stadium holds a picture of the Joe Niekro poster that every fan who attended the game received.

Merry Christmas From Heaven

A dear friend of mine shared the following poem with me, author unknown, and I had to share it with all of you.  The holidays are always such a hard time for anyone who has lost a loved one and as I sit here on Christmas Eve, I look to the heavens above knowing that Dad is smiling down and saying these words:

I still hear the songs, I still see the lights,

I still feel your presence on cold wintry nights.

I still share your hopes and all of your care,

I’ll even remind you to please say your prayers.

I just want to tell you, you still make me proud,

You stand head and shoulders above the crowd.

Keep trying each moment to stay in His grace,

I came here before you to help set your place.

You don’t have to be perfect all of the time,

He forgives you the slip, if you continue to climb.

To my family and friends, please be thankful today,

I’m still close beside you in a new special way.

I love you all dearly, now don’t shed a tear,

Cause I’m spending my Christmas with Jesus this year.

To all those who have lost someone special, I hope this poem brings your heart some comfort and a smile to your face.  Happy holidays everyone and God bless. 

I love you Dad! 

Joe, Natalie and Lance Niekro at a charity event in Scottsdale, AZ

One Day at a Time

As we embark on another monthly brain aneurysm support group meeting, I must write my thoughts about what has transpired since the group began.  What an amazing group of people this foundation has brought together and my life has forever changed as a result of every one of them.  Among our group are survivors, victims, families and friends who have united as a result of these tragic enemies we call aneurysms.  As Chris goes in for his 2nd brain aneurysm surgery this coming Thursday, Steve has another surgery scheduled for Nov. 1st and we continue to welcome new people to our meetings, I have to reflect on the importance of our bond.  I know that every one of our group members will be there standing by Chris and Steve’s bedsides as they battle yet another traumatic operation.  As we continue to fight this fight and support one another, I am so thankful to have found this amazing group, which I now call my family.  Thank you to every one of you who have shown me courage, perserverance, love and compassion. 

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

The Joe Niekro Foundation Announces Scientific Symposium

 The 2009 Knuckle Ball raised over $450,000 toward aneurysm research and The Joe Niekro Foundation is proud to announce that proceeds from that event will be used toward a scientific symposium, hosted by The Methodist Neurological Institute and take place the day of this year’s Knuckle Ball gala.  “The Current and Future Endovascular and Surgical Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms” will feature nationally and internationally known neurosurgeons, endovascular neuroradiologists, neuro-intensivists and stroke neurologists, including key note speakers Dr. Robert Spetzler and Dr. Charles Strother.

This symposium will be an annual event, in honor of The Joe Niekro Foundation, hosted by The Methodist Neurological Institute.  As we continue to strive in our efforts to bring aneurysm awareness to the forefront, look to see these educational symposiums taking place more frequently.  While there is no fee to attend this symposium, we would like for you to join us the evening of November 13th as The Joe Niekro Foundation hosts The 2nd Annual Knuckle Ball…A Pitch for Life at Minute Maid Park. The black tie gala features a reception, formal dinner, auction and the opportunity to mingle with some of baseball’s greatest legends. The evening will be emceed by Hall of Famer, Phil Niekro and will honor Joe Niekro, his baseball years and charitable work and will culminate with a special performance from the Country Music Superstar, Chuck Wicks. All proceeds from the event will benefit aneurysm research and treatment. For tickets and table information, please contact Natalie Niekro at: nniekro@joeniekrofoundation.org or 602-318-1013. If you are unable to attend the gala, we ask that a donation be made to The Joe Niekro Foundation to help support aneurysm research, treatment and education.

The 2010 Knuckle Ball will take place on November 13th at Minute Maid Park

To register for the symposium, email sagonzalez@tmhs.org or call 713-441-0173.  Early registration is encouraged due to limited space.

For further information, contact Susie Gonzalez at

6565 Fannin, M268, Houston, TX 77030

Phone: 713-441-0173 Fax: 713-790-4688

Email: sagonzalez@tmhs.org

Wishes for Steve

Steve is a fighter, that is for sure!  I am excited to let you know that Steve was released from the hospital this past week and is now back at the group home, working on his continued therapy and staying strong.  I want to say thank you for everyone that stopped by to see him and send their well wishes…I know those meant so much to him.  Steve is excited to be back home and ready for the next step of this journey.  He was determined to not only get out of the hospital as soon as possible, but he also assured me there was no way he was going to miss the next Support Group Meeting and Bar-b-que!  We are all very excited about this upcoming meeting and certainly hope we will have some additional people come to see what The Joe Niekro Foundation is all about. 

Again, thank you to everyone for your support and friendship to Steve during this difficult time.  Everybody loves to be loved and there is one thing for sure I have witnessed from our group – we are lovers!!!!  Our zest for life is unsurmountable and we will keep pressing, no matter what.  All of you make me want to be better and I thank you for that!