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In 1998 my life was changed drastically and without warning.

To be told that you have a cerebral aneurysm and need emergency brain surgery has to be one of the most terrifying experiences possible.

I underwent the surgery, during which the affected vessel ruptured. I was extremely fortunate not to have suffered any irreparable damage or to have died.

The following three weeks in hospital were very stressful, more so for family and friends, as I continued to have a difficult recovery.

As this all happened interstate, it was with great relief that I finally made it home and embarked on a seven-month recuperation period.

I returned to work but now have the most beautiful job imaginable – together with my husband, raising my two very precious children. If it wasn’t for research into neurosurgery, I would not have had my gift of life and my children would not have had theirs.

Aneurysms can happen to anyone at any time and until recently killed many people. Aneurysms occur spontaneously at a rate of about 1 in 10,000 people.

They are more common in adults. If rupture occurs, only approximately half of the patients survive.

Successful early neurosurgery within the first 72 hours produces good results.

The majority of brain aneurysms cause no symptoms before the aneurysm bursts.