Early Brain Aneurysm Detection Saves Lives
From families to physicians to donors, we're uniting a community with one goal: prevent the preventable through early detection.
of brain ruptured aneurysms are fatal
Free MRI/MRA screenings provided
of awareness, education, &research
between ruptures in the U.S.
Our Mission in Action
Creating awareness and supporting research for early detection of brain aneurysms to save lives.
Raising Awareness
We help families and providers recognize the risks of brain aneurysms through accessible education and community outreach.
Funding Breakthroughs
Every donation supports targeted studies in early detection, from genetic markers to screening guidelines that save lives.
Changing Standards
We partner with caregivers and medical professionals to improve treatment protocols and strengthen resources for families.
Turning Loss Into Lifesaving Action
The Missy Project was born from the devastating loss of Missy, who passed away from a brain aneurysm at just 12 years old. Out of that grief grew a commitment: no family should suffer a preventable loss.
For more than 25 years, we've turned that promise into action, raising national awareness, funding groundbreaking research, and partnering with physicians to establish screening protocols. Through our free MRI/MRA program, we've provided more than 1,200 free screenings for families at risk, offering peace of mind and life-saving early detection.
Save a Life Today
Our mission is clear and unwavering:
Prevent the preventable, and give every family the chance at a safer future
See if you or a loved one qualifies (3-minute form)
Closing the Gaps in Knowledge
Even after 25 years of research, much about brain aneurysms remains uncertain. The Missy Project funds the studies that transform unknowns into answers, and answers into lives saved.
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.
Research at the Heart
Research is at the core of everything we do — because early detection is what saves lives. Since 2004, our Community Screening Program has worked to uncover the most pressing questions: what risk factors matter most, how family histories shape outcomes, and why children can be so deeply affected. Every study we support brings the answers closer, guiding doctors and families toward prevention and life-saving care.
HOW TO SAVE A LIFE
What is a brain aneurysm?
Brain aneurysms are often called “silent killers” because most show no symptoms until they rupture. In fact, 1 in 50 people is living with an unruptured aneurysm — and many don't even know it. For those with a family history, the risk quadruples
A rupture can be catastrophic, with more than half resulting in death or severe disability. But there is hope: early detection changes the story. With the right screening, aneurysms can be found before they rupture, giving families the chance to prevent tragedy and protect future generations.
Learn more