Blake's Blessings

 

 

 

Because Every Young Survivor Deserves a Little Joy

Blake's Blessings is a heartfelt pediatric initiative of 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 dirt biking, exploring nature, and had a special place in his heart for praying mantises and lightning bugs. While his life was far too short, the love he shared lives on in this program, which channels grief into action, joy, and connection.

In memory of Blake—and with the strength and commitment of his family—Blake’s Blessings supports children across the U.S. who have survived brain aneurysms or AVMs. These kids are brave, resilient, and often face ongoing physical and cognitive challenges. They deserve the kinds of support and joy-filled tools that help restore a sense of independence and fun.

Program Focus for 2025–2026: Adaptive Bikes for Pediatric Survivors

In its first two years, Blake’s Blessings will focus on gifting adaptive bikes to children recovering from brain aneurysms and AVMs. These bikes not only provide mobility and therapeutic benefits, but also a powerful boost in confidence. Sadly, the cost of this equipment can be overwhelming for many families.

Each year, we’ll set a nationwide goal for the number of adaptive bikes to be funded and distributed to children who need them most. For 2025, our goal is to fund and deliver 10 adaptive bikes to young survivors across the country.

Fundraising will be driven through TAAF events like Spokes for Strokes, community-led efforts, and generous contributions from individual and corporate sponsors.

Any funds raised beyond our annual bike goal will support additional pediatric-focused efforts, including the TAAF Youth Ambassador Program and research into pediatric aneurysms and AVMs.

We believe every child deserves the chance to feel free, active, and included—especially those who’ve survived the unimaginable. As Blake’s Blessings grows, future seasons may bring new types of gifts, shaped by survivor feedback, family needs, and the ever-present spirit of generosity that Blake inspired.

In Alignment with TAAF’s Mission

Blake’s Blessings complements TAAF’s broader mission to support individuals affected by aneurysms and AVMs by:

  • Providing resources and motivation to families navigating pediatric survivorship
  • Raising awareness of the pediatric impacts of aneurysms and AVMs through storytelling and community engagement
  • Promoting equity in access to tools and comforts that improve quality of life for survivors

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.

Applications for the 2025 adaptive bike giveaway open October 1, 2025, in recognition of AVM Awareness Month. Families will have until Sunday, October 26th to complete a short online form. The live lottery drawing will take place on Monday, October 27th, and selected recipients will be contacted shortly thereafter.

To qualify, your family must meet the following criteria:

  • Your child experienced a brain aneurysm or AVM before their 18th birthday
  • You currently reside in the contiguous United States
  • You are able and willing to assemble the bike yourself or cover the cost to have it assembled by a bike shop near you

More details—including the link to apply—will be shared as the application period approaches.