By March 2015, Kathy Nguyen was a force to be reckoned with. She was a former kickboxing instructor, had run nine marathons and even participated in an IRONMAN triathlon. Everything changed one morning during family brunch – a headache and dry cough led her to abruptly collapse.

She was rushed to the emergency room, and it was later confirmed that she was suffering from significant brain bleeding. The bleeding was so severe that she required life support, and the doctors prepared her family for the worst.

Kathy was transferred to the Keck Medical Center of USC, where the source of the bleeding was found – a brain aneurysm. A PICA-PICA bypass was performed, which ensures blood flows properly to the brain and prevents additional bleeding.

Despite all odds, Kathy made an incredible recovery throughout the following weeks. She continues to run marathons and serves as an advocate for those suffering with brain aneurysms or any other hardship.