19 Dec Kyan’s story: The Impact of Aneurysm
An aneurysm is a bulge on the wall of an artery, which occurs because of a weak spot in the artery wall. In most cases, aneurysms are small and do not cause symptoms or issues. However, a ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency, and can be life-threatening.
Kyan Armstrong was a young man who sadly passed away due to a ruptured brain aneurysm when he was just fifteen years old. Over the past two years, his family, friends, and community have been grappling with this devastating loss. In the face of tragedy, they have found ways to celebrate Kyan’s life and create positive change.
Stories like Kyan’s highlight the critical significance of the work we do. Research stands as the beacon of hope, offering the promise of enhanced treatments and brighter patient outcomes. Please consider making a donation to support research today >
Kyan was a very kind, respectful and lovable 15-year-old young man with his world at his feet and ready to take life on. He had many passions: he loved his fishing, sports, playing AFL, working on his 1950s truck, hanging with his mates, and most importantly to Kyan, spending time with his family. He had an old soul and could relate to all, regardless of age.
But in October 2022, a seemingly ordinary school day turned into an unimaginable tragedy when Kyan collapsed and passed away due to a ruptured brain aneurysm. Aneurysms, often silent until they rupture, can lead to sudden and devastating outcomes.
“It was a terrible time for family and friends, and still to this day we are trying to understand how and why. You never expect a young man to go to school like any other day and never come home.”
“Kyan is deeply missed and will leave a void of a lifetime to all of those close to him. The Wagga community has been fantastic with love and support for the family. It was a day that reminds us that life can sadly be cut short and change in an instant.”
Fishing for Kyan: inspiring the community & funding research
In the wake of their loss, Kyan’s family turned their grief into action by creating Fishing for Kyan – an annual event that celebrates his love of fishing while raising funds for brain aneurysm research and the local community.
Earlier this year, we were honoured to receive a $20,000 donation from their 2023 event, which contributed towards the funding for Dr Craig Winter’s research grant into improving aneurysm treatment. You can read about this research on our website >
Fishing for Kyan is not only advancing research but also bringing the Wagga Wagga community together to honour Kyan’s memory. His story is one of resilience, love, and the power of community to create positive change even in the face of tragedy.
How you can help
Kyan’s story is a powerful reminder that brain diseases and injuries don’t discriminate – they can strike anyone, at any time. While we are proud of the progress we’ve made, the need for funding far exceeds the resources available. Promising research proposals often go unfunded, leaving potential breakthroughs just out of reach.
Your gift today can help change that. Your donation will directly support life-saving brain research, offering hope to countless families and communities. Together, we can work towards a future where stories like Kyan’s become rarer, and more lives are saved.
Please help us in funding research by making a donation today. Your support is invaluable and will impact countless lives.
The Brain Foundation is the largest, independent funder of brain and spinal injury research in Australia. We believe research is the pathway to recovery.