#RunLAwithKathy
March 8
March 8, 2015: While visiting in California at a brunch, I had a ruptured brain aneurysm.
I survived.
March 8, 2020: I will return to California to run the Los Angeles marathon for the 5th year.
I’m not one to cry or get emotional when I cross the finish line of any race. After hours of pushing my body for 26 miles; the outcome is usually myself recovering in a wheelchair or getting help to walk on my own by the volunteers. But maybe it will be different this time when I cross the finish line of the Los Angeles Marathon 2020. Finishing a marathon on the very day that could’ve killed me five years ago.
So how does it feel to be celebrating five years of good health after a ruptured brain aneurysm? Incredibly blessed for a second chance at life. Eternally grateful to the medical team and Dr. Jonathan Russin at Keck Medicine of USC.
Over the past four years, I’ve had the opportunity share my story to raise awareness for brain aneurysm research through various platforms. I think one of the biggest highlights was being on the television show, The Doctors with both Dr. Russin and Dr. William Mack. Equally exciting was appearing on KTLA and the morning news just before the marathon started last year. And it has truly been an honor to be able to share my story and spread awareness along the way on other channels, such as medical publications, internet running publications, and local newspapers across the country.
Above all, the platform that has meant the most to me is this fundraising campaign, known as #RunLAwithKathy. It is YOU, the donors and sponsors, that have made the most impact on keeping the awareness prevalent for brain aneurysm research. Without your support, we wouldn’t have had the success of taking this on into the fifth year. To date, we’ve raised over $63,000 for brain aneurysm research!
I’ve learned we can’t do this individually, that’s why this fundraiser means so much to me. Because it’s all of us together that make a difference. Thank you so much for your continued support.
~Kathy
A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step ~ Lao Tzu
Make your donation to benefit the Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disorders Center using the button below. Be sure to click on the “Memorial or honorarium information” link on page two of the donation form and indicate your gift is in honor of “Kathy Nguyen.”
Give by Smartphone
To make a gift on your smartphone, just text the word “Kathy” to the number 71777 and you will be texted back a link to my mobile fundraising page.