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Know. Detect. Prevent.

Turning Awareness Into Action

The Missy Project is dedicated to raising awareness, funding early detection research and educating the public and medical community. Together, we are challenging the misperception of rarity, pushing for change in clinical awareness and advocating for early screening to save lives. 

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8
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of brain ruptured aneurysms are fatal
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Free MRI/MRA screenings provided
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of awareness, education, &research
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between ruptures in the U.S.

Free Screening Program

The Missy Project sponsors “the only Early Detection Screening Program for Brain Aneurysms in children and adults in Austin, TX. Together we provide FREE Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) screenings to anyone who has a familial history of brain aneurysms. The Missy Project is looking for eligible people with a family history of brain aneurysms to participate in our Community Screening Program. Over two decades, this program has helped us:

  • Identify key risk factors associated with brain aneurysms
  • Recognize genetic patterns and familial links
  • Promote early intervention before symptoms appear
  • Empower families with knowledge and prevention tools"
This program is not just about screening—it's about education, prevention, and hope.

 

Who Qualifies?

  • You are 16 or older

  • You have 2 immediate family members with brain aneurysms

  • And/or, you have 1 family member with risk factors (ex. smoking/hypertension)

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What to Expect Next:

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Research

Listening To The Experts

What We Know

The Evidence Is Clear
Decades of screenings and research have revealed critical insights that guide prevention and treatment.

  • 1 in 50 people has an unruptured brain aneurysm, most undetected until rupture.

  • Family history increases risk up to 4x.

  • Early detection can prevent life-threatening ruptures.

What We Don't Know

The Questions That Remain

These are the urgent research gaps we’re working to close with donor support.

  • The optimal age and frequency for population-level pediatric screening.

  • The precise genetic markers that predict ruptures.

  • Cost-effective national guidelines comparable to mammography.

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Research at the Heart

Research isn’t just data — it’s the difference between prevention and loss. Every study we support brings answers closer: how to detect aneurysms earlier, how family history raises risk, and why children can be so vulnerable. With each discovery, we move closer to a future where early detection is routine and lives are saved before tragedy strikes. Thanks to our donors, we have funded more than $1.5 million in research grants for early detection of brain aneurysms  

Join Our Research Network
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Research

Funding life-saving research

Since 2004, The Missy Project has donated over $1,000,000 and partnered with leading physicians, scientists, and families to push research forward. From uncovering genetic risk factors to exploring national screening guidelines, we connect the brightest minds with the urgent questions that brain aneurysms demand we answer.

Endovascular SurgeryIdentifying Genetic factors

The Missy Project has funded a $144,500 grant to the University of Buffalo for early detection genetics. The funds will be used to develop the world’s first AI-powered research initiative dedicated to studying and predicting the risk of potential intracranial aneurysms. This partnership and grant set a new precedent in how aneurysms can be predicted and treated with the end goal of saving millions of lives.

Developing better diagnostic methods and Imaging techniques

The Missy Project has funded $150,000 to Dartmouth Hitchcock for establishing a telehealth program for rural hospitals to be able to provide the same treatment as a trauma hospital can.  

Aneurysm growth and rupture prediction

To honor Missy's legacy and prevent similar tragedies, The Missy Project has invested approximately $200,000 in cutting-edge research in neurovascular biomechanics at the University of Texas at Austin

Aneurysm pain management

The Missy Project funded $37,500 to Dr. Peter Kan at the University of Texas at Galveston to determine if lidocaine used during surgery can provide relief from severe headaches for those operated on.

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Events

Our Annual Golf Tournament

Each year, The Missy Project hosts its Annual Golf Tournament — a community tradition that brings supporters together for a day of fun, competition, and fundraising.

  • 18 holes with cart, range balls, sack lunch, and reception dinner included in entry
  • Prizes for top teams, longest drive, and Beat the Pro
  • Evening reception & live auction — open to all, no golf required ($50 per ticket)

This is an annual event. Stay tuned — more details and registration information coming soon.

How you can help

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Awareness, Education, Action

Every newsletter we publish, every event we host, and every session we lead for medical professionals is another step toward awareness.
But awareness alone isn’t enough — it’s action that saves lives.