About Shaneen’s Dream Aneurysm Foundation
Shaneen’s Journey: From Survivor to Advocate
A Survivor’s Fight for Awareness
Shaneen’s Dream Aneurysm Foundation was born out of a personal battle—a story of survival, resilience, and an unrelenting drive to make a difference. In September 2010, Shaneen faced one of the most terrifying moments of her life: the discovery of a ruptured brain aneurysm. This page shares her story, the challenges she’s overcome, and her mission to ensure others know the signs and symptoms of this silent killer.
A Life Before the Diagnosis
Growing up in West Los Angeles, Shaneen’s life was filled with family, friends, and big dreams. After attending West LA College, she pursued a nursing license and became a dedicated healthcare professional. Along the way, she also served six years in the United States Army, and her aspirations led her to a promising career in the entertainment industry, working alongside well-known names such as Snoop Dogg, Warren G, DJ Quik and 2ND 11 NONE. Life seemed unstoppable—until the unthinkable happened.
The Day Everything Changed
In September 2010, Shaneen began experiencing symptoms that she initially thought were minor—blurred vision and headaches. Dr. Rob Rothbard, optometrist who initially seen there was a problem in my Eye. However, a routine optometry appointment turned into something much more serious. After failing several vision tests, Shaneen was referred to Loma Linda Medical Center, where a CT scan MRI revealed a large 1.6 cm brain aneurysm, one of the largest they had ever seen.
Fighting Against the Odds
Admitted to the hospital, Shaneen was told she had only 8 weeks to live unless she underwent emergency surgery. In the midst of this life-changing diagnosis, Shaneen’s aneurysm ruptured during surgery. For 12 long hours, her medical team worked tirelessly to save her life. Despite the odds and multiple brushes with death, Shaneen survived—but her battle wasn’t over.
Rehabilitation and Resilience
After the surgery, Shaneen was in a coma for 2 weeks, ICU for 6 weeks, and when she finally woke up, she faced a long, difficult road to recovery. Unable to talk, walk, or eat, she endured months of rehabilitation, struggling to regain her independence. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Shaneen’s spirit remained strong. She began to understand that her survival wasn’t just for herself—it was for a greater purpose.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Through her harrowing journey, Shaneen found a new purpose in life: to help others. She realized that her survival was a gift and a calling. Shaneen’s Dream Aneurysm Foundation was founded with a simple yet powerful mission: to educate the public about brain aneurysms and provide support to survivors and their families. Shaneen’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the importance of raising awareness to save lives.
Fighting for Ellie’s Law
In addition to raising awareness, Shaneen is a fierce advocate for Ellie’s Law, a bipartisan bill designed to increase federal funding for brain aneurysm research. Ellie, like Shaneen, was a vibrant woman who tragically lost her life to a brain aneurysm. Shaneen is fighting in Ellie’s memory to ensure that more resources are directed toward prevention and research so that others don’t have to suffer the same fate.
Why I Won’t Give Up
I often ask myself, ‘Why me?’ But now I understand that I am here for a reason. My story is meant to inspire others, to spread awareness, and to help people understand that aneurysms don’t have to be a death sentence. I survived so I could help others survive too. My dream is to find aneurysms before they find you. Together, we can make that dream a reality.
In loving memory of our daddy, William Shakespeare Hall Jr., who we lost from a “AAA”, Aortic, Abdominal, Thoracic Aneurysm. See you when we get there, we love you daddy,” Williams Kids”.
10/17/1945-10/10/2015
