THE JOE NIEKRO FOUNDATION

To make an impact in both the medical research arena of brain aneurysm, AVM and hemorrhagic stroke treatments and factors, and to help educate the community on the importance of early detection. By offering local support groups for brain aneurysm/AVM and stroke patients, we are able to bring survivors and caregivers together to share their stories, learn how to cope with their conditions and help them get back to the life they once had. Our hospital and research center partnerships are vital in the advancements of treatment options and genetic studies.

JNF is poised to expand our program to have a total of 50 nationwide local support by 2019. These conditions affect people of all ages and in all socioeconomic circumstances. JNF aims to serve all individuals who are at risk, have been diagnosed, or are currently being treated. Our Patient Advocacy Program provides valuable resources, peer-to-peer support and access to medical experts that goes beyond the normal scope of care that medical institutions can provide to these individuals and their families.

To improve the quality of life and overall experience from diagnosis to recovery for brain aneurysm, AVM and hemorrhagic stroke patients and families. Here is a brief summary of our strategic plan for securing our goals
- Develop a clear set of support tools and established delivery method so that all partners and facilitators remain stocked with our materials (i.e. Road to Recovery booklet, videos on website, tip cards, etc.)
- Have 50 Patient Support Groups by 2019 and surpass 10,000 via our online network
- Develop a program evaluation process with measurable metrics

JNF exists to enhance the treatment and care that existing hospitals and medical facilities provide to patients and their families when they receive a diagnosis. This patient support is critical to the successful recovery of these patients and their quality of life during and after treatment.

Our national Patient Services and Education Program is the only one of its kind. It offers patients, survivors and family members a support community and network that is unique in the brain aneurysm, AVM and hemorrhagic stroke arena. Since its inception, our Patient Advocacy Program has grown to include 40 local patient support groups across the country and online support groups used by over 7,400 individuals. We have five separate platforms which ensure that support and guidance is provided to not just the patients, but their loved ones as well. These groups include a Patient Support Group, Caregiver Support Group, Parents Support Group, Teens and Young Adults Support Group, and an Honoring the Taken Support Group for those that have lost a loved one to a brain aneurysm, AVM or stroke. We have aggressive plans to expand these groups in response to a high level of need.
• These groups provide life-saving support to patients, survivors, caregivers and families, both online and in person. 
• Social support is essential to the recovery process and social isolation can greatly reduce patient recovery and outcomes after suffering a Brain Aneurysm/AVM/Hemorrhagic Stroke. 
• Many hospitals are not equipped to offer patients and families the ongoing support post discharge needed for their full recovery. 
• Survivors have the opportunity to meet and learn from other survivors who have experienced similar issues and understand.
• Support group members learn what to expect during their healing process and develop new coping strategies through shared personal experiences. 
• Members have access to healthcare professionals as well as other survivors. 
• Meetings address issues such as depression, social reintegration, coping with disabilities, nutritional brainpower, exercising your brain and much more. 
• Members feel empowered when they receive access to educational information and emotional support that directly helps lead them to improved health and quality of life. 

“A support group can be life saving for a patient and family during their critical recovery period. I have been amazed by the commitment, the diligence and camaraderie of their members. I have been deeply impressed by the benefit my patients and their families have received by interacting with others who have survived the same ordeal. I salute the organizers of The Joe Niekro Foundation™ for all the good that they do, and am deeply grateful for the benefit my patients have received because of their efforts."
Dr. Robert F. Spetzler
Director, Barrow Neurological Institute
Chairman and President, Barrow Neurosurgical Associates
Professor of Surgery, Section of Neurosurgery, University of Arizona College

We continue to grow our patient services and education program and online community.