The Foundation Knuckle-Up Newsletter

February 2011

Detroit Tigers to Honor Joe Niekro Aneurysm Facts 2011 marks The Detroit Tigers teams are taking this opportunity tion and our commitment to brain 75th season of in to honor Tiger alum, Joe Niekro. aneurysm awareness and re-  It is estimated that 6 Lakeland, Florida. The Tigers have search.. Throughout the game, million people in the journeyed to Lakeland every fans will be encouraged to take US have a brain From 1970-1972, spring since 1934, with the excep- part in the foundation’s ”Text to aneurysm. Niekro proudly tion of 1943-45 due to World War wore the Tiger uni- Give” campaign by texting the II, establishing the longest-lasting word STRIKEOUT to 20222. By  1 in 15 people will form and soon de- relationship between a Major doing so, a $10 donation will be develop a brain cided that Lakeland aneurysm. League team and a current Spring was the place he made directly from their cell Training host city. In honor of this always wanted to phone and appear on their next  Every 8 minutes an momentous milestone the Detroit call “home.” After phone bill. PSA announcements aneurysm ruptures Tigers and the City of Lakeland retiring from his 22 will be playing to educate fans of and 50% of those have planned a week-long cele- years in the Majors, Niekro en- The Joe Niekro Foundation and individuals will die bration February 22-27. joyed coaching his son, Lance, our mission. The Joe Niekro Foundation within minutes. Over these decades millions of who then played for the Mocca- is Tigers fans have had the opportu- sins earning a first-team All- honored to be a part of this trib-  Aneurysms are most nity to experience the thrill of Sunshine State Conference selec- ute and thank The Detroit Tigers, prevalent in people major league spring training and tion, a first-team All-South Region Florida Southern Moccasins, the ages 35-60, but can the magic of meeting Hall of Fam- selection and a third-team All- City of Lakeland and all the fans occur in children as ers and World Champions. . America pick, before being drafted for their support, commitment well. “Tigers Week” kicks off on Tues- by the in the and dedication to the Niekro day, February 22nd with festivities 2nd round in 2000. To honor Joe name. Stay tuned for pictures and  Women, more than for all including a bar-b-que, black and the Niekro family, The Detroit a recap in our March newsletter. men, suffer from tie gala, golf tournament and Tigers have claimed Feb. 25th as brain aneurysms at a culminates with The Detroit Tigers “Niekro Night” at Joker Marchant ratio of 3:2. playing a game against The Florida Stadium. All fans will receive a Joe Southern Moccasins on Feb. 25th. Niekro poster, Natalie and Lance Why is this game so special? Feb. Niekro will throw out the first 25th marks the 25th anniversary pitch and speak to the crowd of this exhibition game and both about The Joe Niekro Founda-

Inside this issue: The Joe Niekro Foundation Welcomes Two New Medical Advisory Board Members Legends Fantasy 2 The Joe Niekro Foundation is the Prince of Wales Private Hospital College. Joan received her Diploma Camp pleased to introduce Peter Nakaji, in Sydney, New South Wales, Austra- from Somerville Hospital School of M.D. and Joan Cacciola, RN, BSN, lia and a fellowship in cerebrovascu- Nursing and her Bachelor of Science Words from Our 2 CNRN, CCRC to our Medical Advisory lar and skull base surgery at Barrow Nursing from Emmanuel College. Supporters Board. Peter Nakaji, MD is the Neurological Institute under the Mrs. Cacciola has a National Certifi- Director of Minimally Invasive guidance of Dr. Robert Spetzler. Dr. cation in Neuroscience Nursing and Brain Aneurysm Neurosurgery and Director of the Nakaji is certified by the American is a Certified Clinical Research Nurse, 3 Awareness Week Neurosurgery Residency Training Board of Neurological Surgery and plus hold nursing licenses in both Program at Barrow Neurological currently serves as Vice Chairman of Arizona and Massachusetts. In addi- Joe Niekro Founda- Institute in Phoenix, AZ and Profes- the Institutional Review Board for tion to serving on the foundation tion to raise money sor of Neurosurgery at Creighton Human Research at St. Joseph’s medical advisory board, Mrs. Cac- through online 4 University School of Medicine. Dr. Hospital, and is a member of the ciola is also an integral part of The shopping and web Nakaji received both his under- American Association of Neurologi- Joe Niekro Foundation Support searches graduate and Medical degrees from cal Surgeons and Congress of Neuro- Group and is actively working on the University of California in San logical Surgeons. various fundraising projects for the Support Group Diego, where he also performed Joan Cacciola is the Clinical Nurse for foundation. 5 Expansion his residency in Neurosurgery. Dr. Dr. Peter Nakaji at Barrow Neurosur- Nakaji did a fellowship in Endoscopic gical Associates and a Clinical Welcome Dr. Nakaji and Joanie..we are thrilled to have you on our team. and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Instructor for Gateway Community The Joe Niekro Foundation Knuckle-Up Newsletter Page 2

Look Out Vegas, Here We Come! How would you like to spend a Grab your glove and dust off those tryouts and team selection, plus We invite you to join us for an week playing base- cleats…Legends Fantasy Camp is an 18 hole golf scramble tourna- unforgettable five days of fun and ball with some of hitting the streets. The Joe Niekro ment. Cashman Field, home of the promise it will be an experience Foundation brings you a AAA Toronto Blue Jays, is where you will never forget. There are a the greatest leg- camp unlike any other. Learn the our campers will find their own limited number of slots available ends of the subtle nuances of the game from locker, complete with customized so get signed up today. To regis- game??? four Hall of Fame greats and six home and away uniforms, plus all ter or find out more, contact former major leaguers, as you the extras they need for the Natalie Niekro - George Brett experience five fun filled days in week…and a few surprises along [email protected] the city that never sleeps…Las the way. or Jerry Lewis - Vegas, Nevada. Its baseball by day Campers will be hosted at a luxuri- [email protected]. Gaylord Perry and blackjack by night as you play ous Vegas hotel and casino, Sept. Click here to download the Regis- America’s favorite pastime with 25-30 where they will be treated Ozzie Smith tration form some of the game’s greatest leg- like royalty, enjoying a lavish wel- Become a part of ends. come reception, daily group The Legends We’re looking for a select group to breakfast and lunch and special Fantasy Camp be a part of this Legends experi- VIP amenities from the hotel. ence, managed by Hall of Fame Wednesday, September 28th, it’s a greats; George Brett, Phil Niekro, day on the links as campers will Gaylord Perry and Ozzie Smith. swing their golf clubs instead of Legends Fantasy Camp features baseball bats and tee it up at the three days of baseball, including beautiful Siena Golf Resort.

Thoughts from Survivors and Families

Recently we asked a few people to happy that you have created this.” Bridget - Houston, TX - “You have tell us why they were thankful for brought brain aneurysms and the Jennifer - Houston, TX - “My mom The Joe Niekro Foundation. Here research that goes with this to the passed away in 2004 of a brain are some of their responses: public forefront!” aneurysm. I just wanted to say Robin - Phoenix, AZ - “I am so that I’m glad someone out there is Dahlia - Mesa, AZ - “In life you Tom - Cleveland, OH happy to be a part of The Joe trying to raise money to research meet lots of people; different Niekro Foundation Support Group. this and make more people aware types and for different reasons. It is reassuring to know that I am of this condition.” Never did I think I would meet “Thank you for what not the only one who has experi- such wonderful people under the The Joe Niekro Michael - Detroit, MI - “Last week enced a brain aneurysm.” strangest of circumstances. I want Foundation is doing to one of my former college room- to thank you for your passion with make a difference.” Alma - Glendale, AZ - “I have been mates was stricken with an aneu- The Joe Niekro Foundation; I can This group has given looking for a support group for a rysm. He survived, but is still in tell you that your mission is right me the strength, cour- long time and one morning I hap- very serious condition. I just on target - to spread aware- age and desire to pened to see Natalie Niekro on wanted to let you know that what ness about brain aneurysms, in persevere and keep television talking about The Joe you are doing with the foundation addition to offering support for up the fight.” Niekro Foundation. I got so ex- is touching many hearts.” those who need it. I also want to cited that she was starting to hold Veronica - Chicago, IL - “It has thank you and the group for your meetings in the Phoenix area . It is been a year since my mom has compassion at last night’s meet- so wonderful talking to people passed away from a brain aneu- ing. Thanks to the foundation and who have gone through a similar rysm. I was doing some research its members - I left with a positive situation. I feel very blessed to be and came across The Joe Niekro energy to help Ramon make a a part of this group.” Foundation. I just wanted to say prompt decision, a lifted heart Laura - Minneapolis, MN - “I lost that it is so wonderful that you are now that we have heard so many my mom to a brain aneurysm on raising money for the research and positive stories and witnessed the Thanksgiving in 2002. I have been awareness so vitally needed on strengths of individuals continuing looking for a foundation that spe- brain aneurysms. Keep up the to overcome their deficits. Best of cifically targets brain aneurysm good work!” all we left with hope that we can research and awareness and am so plan a future!”

Attention Ebay Sellers - You can now sell an item on Ebay and donate a percentage of the final sale, up to 100% to The Joe Niekro Foundation. Visit eBay Giving Works for more information. February 2011 Page 3

Brain Aneurysm Awareness Week

This March 14-20, 2011 has been worst headache of your life” can So get yours now, wear them with declared as Brain Aneurysm be a brain aneurysm, and that pride and Get Lucky!!! Awareness Week. To help bring brain aneurysms are detectable Click here to purchase awareness to the importance of and treatable. early detection, The Joe Niekro In doing this, we will educate the Foundation has launched a next adult generation to go to the national initiative called Wanna emergency room ASAP when they Get Lucky?. This catchy slogan has have “the worst headache of their been printed on thousands of t- lives,” or be aware that aneurysms shirts we are hoping to promote to are hereditary so if they have a various communities across the family history, they need to “Get country. You can help spread the Scanned.” Through this process, word by purchasing your Wanna WE WILL SAVE LIVES BY TREATING Get Lucky? shirt today. The more BRAIN ANEURYSMS BEFORE THEY awareness we can bring to this RUPTURE. GET SCANNED silent killer, the more success we Shirts are available in Men’s and can have in preventing them. Ladies tees, Women’s cap sleeve www.joeniekrofoundation.org Bringing aneurysm awareness to v-necks and women’s tank tops. “Knuckling Up for the public is sparse and survivors Colors include black, red, navy and Aneurysm Research” of brain aneurysms are largely a pink, but custom orders are avail- quiet bunch. So we’re motivated able in the colors of your choice to get the word out that “the with orders over 10.

ATTN: Online Shoppers! - Give Just by Searching the Internet Raise a penny (or more!) for The any purchase made through can add up. Try it today - IT’S “Raise up to 26% for Joe Niekro Foundation every time iGive.com will benefit our cause. FREE! Make free fundraising a part The Joe Niekro you shop or search online. There's no cost, obligation or of your online routine: iGive.com is the internet's first exclusivity. Foundation from any 1) Go to iSearchiGive.com online search engine and shopping You can even earn dollars for The online purchase made mall where a penny or more per Joe Niekro Foundation simply 2) Select The Joe Niekro Foun- through iGive.com search and a portion of each pur- through your online searches. We dation as your cause and $.01 from every chase is donated to your favorite invite you to begin using 3) Add the iGive Toolbar cause. Over 800 of the web’s best iSearchiGive.com every time you web search simply by stores participate in this free pro- search the web. Each qualified 4) Search the internet as usual gram, and up to 26% of each pur- search means $0.01 for our cause and help us earn money using chase benefits our cause. Plus, and while the numbers might every time you do. iSearchiGive.com as your purchase is tax-deductible. seem small at first, we all search 5) Remember to make your your browser.” Simply list The Joe Niekro Founda- the web hundreds of times every online purchases through tion as the cause you support and month and our combined efforts iGive.com

Brain Aneurysm Support Group Expands Join Our Mission

When I get to see my new family stories. We encourage patients, Every donation matters - every dollar counts. The Joe Niekro Foundation is come together and support one families and friends to join us as we a registered 501(c)(3) which means your donations are 100% tax deducti- ble. Donations are used to enhance the research and treatment of aneu- another, it completely touches my listen to others who have shared in rysm patients and families. Here are a few ways you can help: heart. As we continue to share our our pain. Meetings take place the stories and spread the word about third Wednesday of each month at  Donate to Support Brain Aneurysm Research The Joe Niekro Foundation and the Barrow Neurological Institute. Click importance of aneurysm research, here to find out about upcoming  Install the iSearchiGive toolbar and earn money for the foundation aneurysm treatment and aneurysm meeting dates and directions. Stay every time you are online education, we are continually re- tuned as we are working diligently to  Use iGive.com for all your online purchases and a portion of every minded of how prevalent this silent get support groups set up nation- dollar spent is donated to The Joe Niekro Foundation killer is. If you or someone you know wide. We have thousands of people has been affected by an aneurysm, that need this support and we are  Text the word STRIKEOUT to 20222 from your cell phone. By doing join us as we come together to sup- here to help. so, you will be making a $10 donation that will appear on your next port one another and share our monthly bill. The Joe Niekro Foundation...“Knuckling Up for Aneurysm Research”

The Joe Niekro Foundation PO Box 2876 The Joe Niekro Foundation was established in 2007 in honor of the Scottsdale, AZ 85252-2876 founder’s father, Joe Niekro, who lost his life from a sudden ruptured Phone - 602-318-1013 brain aneurysm on October 27, 2006. The astonishing lack of public Fax - 480-323-2876 awareness and under-support of research of such a widespread and Email - [email protected] often fatal condition led to the launch of a crusade to educate and en- courage awareness about aneurysms. The Joe Niekro Foundation is committed to aiding in the research and treatment of aneurysm pa- Board of Directors tients and families. Our goal is to raise awareness about aneurysm fac- President—Natalie Niekro tors, causes, treatments and research. All funds are used to educate the Treasurer—Dave Bergman Secretary—Barbara Nivala public about brain aneurysms, to support patients and families, and to develop awareness programs and educational materials for hospitals, George Baylor Enos Cabell treatment centers and neurological institutions worldwide and conduct Daniel Glazer research that will translate directly to improved patient outcomes. Lisa Kline Lance Niekro Lawrence Simon Dolores Stargell Luke Woosley Medical Advisory Board Connect with The Joe Niekro Foundation Joan Cacciola, RN, BSN, CNRN, CCRC Orlando Manuel Diaz-Daza, M.D. Robert G. Grossman, M.D. Hani A. Haykal, M.D. Richard P. Klucznik, M.D. Peter Nakaji, M.D. Click here to subscribe to the Knuckle-Up Newsletter Ronald E. Woosley, M.D. Y. Jonathan Zhang, M.D.

IT HAPPENS EVERY SPRING Letter from the President - Natalie Niekro Spring Training is here and baseball is starting, All too often, life throws us a pitch victims and their families; some which means that my Dad and I will be we aren’t prepared to catch. For stories have happy endings, others parting. me, that curve ball came October similar to my own. By offering His baseball career is his dream-come-true 26, 2006, just four weeks before everything from words of wisdom But the time we're apart makes me so sad the fairytale wedding I had been to a shoulder to cry on, I have and blue. dreaming of all my life. On that thrown back the curve ball and am Though Winter's a memory and flowers day, my father, former 22 year committed to changing the course now bloom, major league , of this disease. This foundation is I find that my heart is filled with some Joe Niekro, suffered an unex- my mission and what I spend my gloom. pected and what would turn out days and nights working on, but While others are planning their parties and things, to be life devastating brain aneu- this is only the beginning. The rysm. With my world turned up- tenacity, passion and determina- I only can think of what Spring to me brings. side-down, I channeled my sad- tion of this foundation, will save Our time together was great but now it ness, anger and frustration into a lives, alter fate and continue a Natalie Niekro , holding none other must end new life’s mission: Combating the legacy that will forever impact the than the pitch her father For the Astros have called on my very best enemy that prematurely took my lives of others. Thank you to eve- mastered, “The Knuckleball” friend. father. Leaving a successful career ryone who has continued to sup- Dad's a wonderful pitcher...three strikes in the corporate world behind, I port us through the years and for In Baseball, February means one and you're out founded The Joe Niekro Founda- those who are just learning about I sit by the television and cheer and shout. thing...the beginning of the season. tion, a 501 c-3 non-profit commit- us...welcome to and thank you for He loves his job and I'm thankful for that, For me, February was when I had to ted to the awareness, research, “Knuckling Up.” Though my heart skips a beat with every treatment and education of brain say goodbye to my Dad as he headed crack of the bat. aneurysms; a silent killer that off to Spring Training. When I was 7 So once again I'll adjust to being without “You make a living by what you get, yrs old, I wrote this poem for him him, affects 1 in 15 Americans. In just but you make a life by what you and feel it fit to share with all of you although every second I'll be thinking 2+ years, the foundation has give.” forged bonds with multi-million as we begin yet another season of about him. America’s Favorite Pastime. dollar corporations and support- I LOVE YOU, DAD ers, and has helped countless