New Charity Sunflower Member TAAF is helping survivors, families and caregivers understand how the Sunflower can support people living with the non-apparent effects of brain aneurysms, AVMs and strokes.
Summer travel, long lines and busy public spaces can be difficult for someone experiencing fatigue, cognitive fog, balance problems or sensitivity to noise and light.
These effects may follow a brain aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, often called an AVM, or stroke. They can have a significant impact on daily life without being visible to the people around them.
The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation, known as TAAF, has recently joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower as a Charity Member. The membership builds on an affinity that already existed among TAAF's community of survivors, caregivers, and families, many of whom had long embraced the Sunflower.
How TAAF is sharing the Sunflower with its community
TAAF introduced the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower in its July 2026 newsletter article, “Wearing Peace of Mind This Summer.”
TAAF introduced the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower in its July 2026 newsletter through an article titled “Wearing Peace of Mind This Summer.”
The article explains how the Sunflower can help someone indicate that they have a non-apparent need while traveling, waiting in line or navigating a busy environment.
It also connects the Sunflower directly with experiences that may be familiar to people affected by brain aneurysms, AVMs and strokes, including fatigue, cognitive fog, balance difficulties and sensory sensitivity.
By sharing the information through its newsletter, TAAF is giving its community a clear introduction to what the Sunflower means, where it may be recognized and why someone may choose to wear it. TAAF’s newsletter also directs readers to the Sunflower website to find participating organizations, wearer stories and further information.
Lynn Smith, Regional Sunflower Director for the United States, explains in the article:
“The purpose of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is to support and raise awareness for people living with non-apparent disabilities.”
Lynn Smith, Regional Sunflower Director – United States
Why brain aneurysms, AVMs and strokes can create non-apparent needs
People can be affected in very different ways following a brain aneurysm, AVM or stroke.
Someone may need more time to process information, find it difficult to concentrate or communicate, become overwhelmed in a noisy environment or experience fatigue that is not apparent to anyone else.
A person may look well while still managing symptoms that make travel, appointments, work and other everyday situations more demanding.
The Sunflower does not tell people what someone’s condition is. It simply indicates that the wearer may need more time, understanding or support.
What does wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower mean?
Wearing the Sunflower is voluntary. It allows someone to discreetly indicate that they have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent.
It does not provide a diagnosis, and it does not automatically tell staff what support the person needs. Nobody should ask someone why they are wearing it.
The best response is often a simple question: “How can I help you?”
For someone living with the non-apparent effects of a brain injury, the Sunflower can reduce the need to repeatedly explain personal information when they need patience or assistance.
How to support someone affected by a brain injury
Every person’s experience is different, so begin by asking what would help.
Support may include:
- Allowing more time to respond or make a decision
- An opportunity to sit and rest
- Giving information clearly and one step at a time
- Repeating or writing down important details
- Reducing noise and other distractions where possible
- Offering a quieter place to wait
- Remaining patient if someone appears confused or overwhelmed
Do not assume what someone needs because they are wearing the Sunflower. Listen to the individual and follow their lead.
Find out more about brain injuries from the Sunflower invisible disabilities index
About The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation
TAAF is a US nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives, support networks and medical care of people affected by brain aneurysms, AVMs and other vascular malformations of the brain.
Its work includes providing support, empowering advocates, connecting people through community programs and funding scientific research.
TAAF’s introduction of the Sunflower also coincides with our July focus on brain injury, during which we are sharing information and guidance to build greater understanding of its visible and non-apparent effects.
We are pleased to welcome TAAF to the global Sunflower network and to see it sharing the Sunflower directly with the community it serves.
Read “Wearing Peace of Mind This Summer” in TAAF’s July newsletter.
Learn more about Charity Sunflower Membership .
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