MINNEAPOLIS — Help the Joe Niekro Foundation as they promote Brain Aneurysm Awareness Day on Aug. 21 at Target Field. Join Natalie Niekro and former Minnesota Twins players Dan Gladden, Tony Oliva and Tim Laudner as they pay tribute to Joe Niekro and the importance of brain aneurysm research, treatment and education. From 10 to 10:45 a.m., they will be hosting a special autograph signing session and for a minimum $25 donation, you will receive a Wanna Get Lucky? shirt autographed by these former Twins Alums. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit Mayo Clinic Research.

Every donation matters — every dollar counts. The Joe Niekro Foundation is a registered 501 (c)(3) which means your donations are 100 percent tax deductible. Donations are used to enhance the research and treatment of aneurysm patients and families.

The Joe Niekro Foundation was established in 2007 in honor of the founder’s father, Joe Niekro, who lost his life from a sudden cerebral brain aneurysm on Oct. 27, 2006. The astonishing lack of public awareness and under-support of research of such a widespread and often fatal condition led to the launch of a crusade to educate and encourage awareness about aneurysms.

The Joe Niekro Foundation is committed to aiding in the research and treatment of aneurysm patients and families. Their goal is to raise awareness about aneurysm factors, causes, treatments and research. All funds are used to educate the public about brain aneurysms, to support patients and families, and to develop awareness programs and educational materials for hospitals, treatment centers and neurological institutions worldwide.

Research is needed

Mayo Clinic Research teams are actively studying brain aneurysms. Researchers are particularly interested in determining which brain aneurysms need to be treated and which can be monitored. They are also defining new and safer treatment strategies for those aneurysms which need to be treated. Recently, Mayo Clinic research teams discovered evidence of a protein that indicates the presence of a condition (genetic marker) that might help identify brain aneurysms prone to rupture. Funds are needed to continue these important efforts.

Another way to help
Can’t make it to the game? No problem! You can still donate by texting!
Text to the word STRIKEOUT to 20222 to make a $10 donation.
The donation amount will be added to your monthly cell phone bill.