When Annie Barnett was just 21 years old, an undetected brain aneurym ruptured without warning. But the ordeal for the Barnett family wasn’t over, as Greg and Carol - Annie’s parents - were also diagnosed with dangerous aneurysms, needing immediate treatment. Yet today, their family...
In June 2023, Darren “Muddy” Laycock collapsed unexpectedly at home. He had suffered a fatal rupture from an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) – a condition none of his loved ones had ever heard of until that terrible day. Darren was just 55 years old, and his...
Chris "Leafy" Taylor sadly died of a ruptured aneurysm in 2018 when he was 34 years old, leaving behind a wife and 2 small boys. In the wake of this tragedy, they learnt that these conditions have a familial link....
Kyan Armstrong was a 15 year old boy from Wagga Wagga who passed away unexpectedly due to a ruptured aneurysm in October 2022. Over the past two years, Kyan’s family, friends, and community have been grappling with this devastating loss. In the face of tragedy,...
Rebecca Gauci has lived with the impacts of acoustic neuroma since her diagnosis in August 2020. This disease has turned her life upside down, involving multiple rounds of complicated treatment and countless tests. She is still uncertain what the future holds....
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disorder caused by increased pressure inside the skull, causing symptoms such as headaches and vision changes. Hayley Witcombe-Keep has been living with IIH for about six years now, and she spoke to us about the way this disorder has...
Kyan Armstrong was a 15 year old boy from Wagga Wagga who passed away unexpectedly due to a ruptured aneurysm in October 2022. His family have since been trying to raise awareness about aneurysm in his memory, and raise funds for aneurysm research....
Kylie McKiernan was diagnosed with two brain tumours in 2021. Thankfully, they were able to be treated with radiation therapy, but she is still living with long-term complications following the treatment. She spoke to us about her experience, the unexpected challenges she faced, and what...
Steph Judd has focal hand dystonia, which she has lived with for nearly twenty years. Recently, she participated in a clinical trial for a new dystonia treatment, which was supported by the Brain Foundation. She spoke to us about her experience with dystonia, and what...
Brian Johnston sadly passed away from progressive nuclear palsy (PSP) in April 2023. PSP is a rare neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive lack of coordination, stiffness, cognitive dysfunction and difficulty moving....
We are excited to announce that Brett Kearney has recently come on board as an ambassador for the Brain Foundation. You may know him better as “BK” - a nickname earned during his years playing rugby league, both in Australia and overseas....
Tyler James Osmond, aged 9 years, sadly passed away suddenly from an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in 2021. Like so many people, his family hadn’t heard of an AVM before his tragic loss....
Brianna Ellem spoke to us about her experience with a brain injury caused by complications of Chiari malformation. She highlighted the impact that brain injury can have on your mental health, and the resources and supports she found helpful in recovery....
Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes muscles in the body to contract or spasm involuntarily. Margot Chiverton has cervical dystonia, which affects the neck. She was a principal wind player with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra for many years, and is now an active...
Disability is part of being human. Almost everyone will temporarily or permanently experience disability at some point in their life. But unfortunately, people living with disabilities still face barriers to access and experience mistreatment in society. Andrea Nunn has lived with disabilities and struggled with...
Locked-in Syndrome (LiS) is a rare neurological disorder. It acquired its name because patients lose most or all of their motor function, facial control, breathing, swallowing and speaking abilities. However, consciousness and cortical functions are preserved. Tracey Gibbs spoke to us about her experience living...
Just like many brain disorders or diseases, aneurysms can irreversibly change a person’s life. Andy Carter experienced this in 2013, when she was diagnosed with three aneurysms and had to undergo surgery as part of her treatment. Her story of surviving an aneurysm explores the...
The Brain Foundation is dedicated to funding the next generation of Australian research into brain disorders, diseases, and injuries, with the ultimate goal of advancing diagnoses, treatments, and patient outcomes.
