A Survivor's Story
Brain aneurysms are something I never would have imagined being associated with my name.
But, on March 23rd of this year, after having had a contrast MRI done of my brain due to frequent headaches and fainting spells, they found an aneurysm behind my right optic nerve. Two days later I was at the Neurosurgery department at UVA where I was told by a neurosurgeon that my aneurysm was getting ready to “misbehave!” Definitely not something you want to hear!
Dr. Kenneth Liu had my surgery scheduled immediately and I was operated on April 4th of this year. Thankfully, due in part to the wonderful team at UVA, and also to all the prayers and support I received, the surgery was a success.
I was very lucky that we found this aneurysm before it ruptured. I believe that being healthy and physically fit was what saved my life. I paid attention to my body, I knew something was seriously wrong, and I sought help.
Unfortunately, for every survivor story there are many others that are not so lucky. Brain aneurysms take lives every day.
So this year, the Culpeper Fall Cross Country 5k will donate all its proceeds to the Neuroradiology department at UVA for further research in this field.
I want to thank all the people that helped me get to the other side, including my wonderful doctors Dr. Tom Reynolds and Dr. Kenneth Liu, as well as my minister Wayne Bernardo, my husband and two daughters and all the rest of my family and friends.
I celebrate life!
See you at the starting line on October 2nd for a great cause!!
As always,
Coach Vivian