S3E3: Find Your Tribe with TAAF

Feeling isolated after your diagnosis? Finding your tribe is life altering and tremendously helpful in facilitating your treatment and recovery from brain surgery and bleeds. TAAF is The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation, a foundation focused on supporting brain bleed survivors, grieving families, caregivers, and research. In this episode, Eryn interviews Dina Chon, the executive director of TAAF. The two discuss the mission and work of TAAF which supports individuals who have experienced brain bleeds and provide resources and information to the community. SummaryDina shares the history of the TAAF Foundation and how it has grown over the years. They also talk about the importance of acknowledging and embracing all emotions, not just happiness, in the healing process. In this conversation, Dina Chon discusses her personal experience with her mother's brain aneurysm and how it led her to leading The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation. She shares the importance of support groups and the impact they can have on survivors and their families. Dina also highlights the various programs and resources offered by TAAF, including brain buddies, fundraising events, and research grants. She emphasizes the power of community and the role of TAAF in providing support, education, and advocacy for those affected by brain aneurysms and AVMs. Keywordsbrain bleeds, Aneurysm and AVM Foundation, TAAF, support, resources, emotions, healing, brain aneurysm, AVM, support groups, TAAF, The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation, brain buddies, fundraising events, research grants, community, support, education, advocacyTakeawaysThe Aneurysm and AVM Foundation (TAAF) is an organization that supports individuals who have experienced brain bleeds and provides resources and information to the community.TAAF was founded by a neurosurgeon and his nurse who wanted to do more for patients beyond medical treatment.TAAF offers support groups and resources for individuals and families affected by brain bleeds.It is important to acknowledge and embrace all emotions, not just happiness, in the healing process. Support groups can provide a sense of community and understanding for survivors and their families.The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation (TAAF) offers various programs and resources, including brain buddies, fundraising events, and research grants.TAAF focuses on research, programming, and providing support to survivors and their families.Fundraising is essential for TAAF to continue its work in supporting and advocating for those affected by brain aneurysms and AVMs.Getting involved with TAAF, whether through fundraising or participating in support groups, allows individuals to give back and help others in the community.Sound Bites"If it bleeds, TAAF leads.""I would literally program myself to work all day and help people 24 hours.""I am non-robot for sure.""My mom was lying in the bathroom. She'd gotten up to use the restroom, I'm assuming, and she'd ruptured.""She opens her eyes and she looks at me and she tells me she loves me. And she passes out and she dies.""We're going to be like you."Chapters00:00Introduction and Starting the Conversation03:19The History and Growth of TAF08:03Dina's Journey to TAF12:16The Role of TAF in Serving the Community14:24Embracing All Emotions in the Healing Process18:04Supporting Individuals at Every Stage22:54Personal Experience with Brain Aneurysm28:44The Importance of Support Groups32:40Programs and Resources Offered by TAF36:53Fundraising for Research and Support45:17Getting Connected with TAFReach out toEryn on