Blake's Blessings

Because Every Young Survivor Deserves a Little Joy

Blake's Blessings is a heartfelt pediatric initiative of The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation (TAAF), created to honor the life of 9-year-old Blake Willuski, a vibrant boy who passed away unexpectedly from an undiagnosed AVM in 2022. 

Blake loved riding dirt bikes, exploring nature, and searching for frogs, salamanders, lightning bugs, and praying mantises. He was endlessly curious, always moving, and full of life. While his life was far too short, the joy he brought to others continues through a program that transforms loss into hope, connection, and opportunity for young survivors.

In memory of Blake—and with the strength and dedication of his family—Blake's Blessings supports children across the United States who have survived brain aneurysms and AVMs. These children are resilient, courageous, and often face ongoing physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. They deserve opportunities to experience the freedom, confidence, and joy that every child should know.

Celebrating Our First Year

When Blake's Blessings launched, we set an ambitious goal: fund and gift 10 adaptive bikes to pediatric brain aneurysm and AVM survivors across the country.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, sponsors, event participants, and community supporters, we achieved that goal.

Ten (10) children received adaptive bikes that provided not only mobility and therapeutic benefits, but also independence, confidence, outdoor adventure, and unforgettable family memories. What began as a dream became a reality because of a community determined to bring joy to young survivors.

Press play to see the impact of our first year.

Our 2026–2027 Initiative: Adaptive Sleds

Building on the success of our inaugural adaptive bike program, Blake's Blessings is proud to launch its next chapter: providing adaptive sleds to pediatric brain aneurysm and AVM survivors.

For many children living with physical challenges after a neurological injury, winter recreation can feel out of reach. Adaptive sleds help remove barriers and create opportunities for children to participate in snowy adventures alongside their siblings, friends, and families.

Just as adaptive bikes create freedom on wheels, adaptive sleds create freedom on snow.

Through community fundraising, TAAF events, corporate partnerships, and individual donations, Blake's Blessings will work to place adaptive sleds into the hands of children who might otherwise never have access to these experiences.

Because every child deserves the chance to play, explore, laugh, and simply be a kid.

Looking Ahead

Blake's Blessings is designed to evolve alongside the needs of young survivors and their families.

Each year, the program will focus on opportunities that promote confidence, inclusion, independence, and joy. Future initiatives will be guided by survivor feedback, family needs, community partnerships, and the adventurous spirit Blake embodied every day.

Funds raised beyond annual program goals may also support other pediatric-focused efforts within TAAF, including youth engagement programs, survivor resources, and research focused on pediatric aneurysms and AVMs.

In Alignment with TAAF’s Mission

Blake's Blessings supports TAAF's mission to improve the lives of those affected by brain aneurysms and AVMs by:

  • Providing meaningful resources and support for pediatric survivors and their families
  • Promoting inclusion, confidence, and quality of life through adaptive recreation
  • Raising awareness of the unique challenges faced by children affected by aneurysms and AVMs
  • Building community through storytelling, advocacy, and shared experiences
  • Expanding access to opportunities that help young survivors thrive

A Message from the Willuski Family

Blake’s Blessings was born out of the idea that grief is love with nowhere to go.

After losing our son Blake to an undiagnosed AVM, we saw a great need among families with children who have survived aneurysms and AVMs—families walking a long and uncertain road, just like we were. We wanted to pour our love into this remarkable community of strong, courageous young survivors by helping provide the kinds of joy-filled items that too often remain out of reach.

Blake Willuski was a vibrant, energetic 9-year-old boy who loved riding his dirt bike, hiking, and searching for frogs, salamanders, and bugs (especially praying mantises and lightning bugs). He was endlessly curious, always moving, and full of life.

Blake passed away unexpectedly on August 12, 2022, from an undiagnosed Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)—a tangle of blood vessels in the brain that can rupture without warning or symptoms. Though our hearts are forever changed, Blake’s memory lives on in the many lives he touched and in the community he continues to inspire.

Through Blake’s Blessings, we hope to build joy, create connection, and honor his legacy by giving back in the way he would have loved most: with wheels spinning, hearts full, and joy on every face.

— With love and gratitude,
The Willuski Family

Eligibility & Application Info

Blake's Blessings uses an open lottery system to select recipients—no essays, no judgments, just the hope of bringing joy to as many young survivors as possible.

Application details for future Blake's Blessings adaptive equipment giveaways will be announced here and through TAAF's communication channels.

To be eligible, applicants must generally meet the following criteria:

  • The child experienced a brain aneurysm or AVM before their 18th birthday
  • The family resides within the contiguous United States
  • The family is able and willing to assemble the equipment themselves or arrange for assembly when required

Please note that specific eligibility requirements may vary based on the equipment being awarded.

Get Involved

Whether you participate in a TAAF event, become a sponsor, make a donation, or help spread awareness, you are helping create life-changing experiences for young survivors and their families.

Together, we can honor Blake's legacy by ensuring more children experience the freedom, confidence, and joy they deserve.

For questions about Blake's Blessings, please contact:

Phone: 510-464-4540
Email: Info@taafonline.org