Teen saves mom from ruptured brain aneurysm on Long Island

EAST ISLIP, Long Island (WABC) -- On the eve of the 8th Annual Brain Aneurysm Walk on Long Island, a survivor is sharing her story.

Her 16-year-old son knew exactly what to do, when seconds made the difference between life and death, and his actions likely saved her life.

41-year-old Stacy Allen, a wife and mother of three, is enjoying shooting hoops with her oldest son Thomas. She says she's feeling like herself again.

On New Year's Day of this year, she came home from the gym early and something wasn't right.

"I remembered going into the bathroom, taking an Advil and laying on the bathroom floor, and I don't remember anything after that," Stacy said.

What their mom doesn't remember about the day she suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm, is what Thomas and his younger brothers, who were home at the time, will never forget.

"I had never seen my mother in that much pain," Thomas said.

Thomas recognized the severity of the situation and jumped into action. He delegated responsibilities to make sure help was on the way.

"We worked together and it all worked out thank gosh," Thomas said.

"So many people in your situation don't get to sit here to tell the story," Eyewitness News said.

"Yes, yes it still brings tears to our eyes when we talk about it. It's very emotional. I am so proud of them, so proud of them," Thomas said.

Allen was sent to Northwell Health's South Side Hospital where it was determined she had a ruptured brain aneurysm.

She was transferred by helicopter to Northwell Health's North Shore University Hospital.

"They saved my live that day," Stacy said.

Saturday, she will share her story at Long Island's 8th Annual Brian Aneurysm Awareness Walk at Jones Beach State Park.

"They can be found before they rupture. For me, the sign was sever head pain, severe neck pain, blurry vision can be associated," Stacy said.

By sharing her story of survival, she hopes others will live to tell theirs as well.

"I personally don't take things for granted. Every day I wake up, I think gosh, I still have my mom; I come home, I am so happy to tell her how my day was when I get home. It means everything that we still have each other," Thomas said.

The Lisa Colagrossi Foundation and the Joe Niekro Foundation invite you to attend the first annual "A Cerebral Affair" benefiting brain aneurysm awareness and research. Join us as we pay tribute to those we have lost, while honoring the survivor's fighting every day to recover. The event takes place Thursday, September 29th from 6-10 p.m. at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers, 61 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011. For more information please visit: http://tlcfound.org/tlcf-events/a-cerebral-affair/