TeamCindy.org - a fundraising arm of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation
TeamCindy Triathlete @ Ironman

TeamCindy™ began in 2008 as a passionate fundraising and awareness initiative, created to honor the life and legacy of Cynthia Lynn Sherwin. For many years, we partnered with the Brain Aneurysm Foundation (BAF) to advance awareness, education, advocacy, and research aimed at the early detection and prevention of ruptured brain aneurysms.

As of 2024, TeamCindy is no longer affiliated with the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. While our history with BAF helped shape our mission, we are now charting our own path forward.

Brain aneurysms remain a silent and devastating health issue:

  • 1 in 50 people in the U.S. will develop a brain aneurysm during their lifetime.
  • Each year, approximately 25,000 people suffer a rupture — nearly half will not survive, and many survivors face lasting disabilities.
  • While most occur in adults over 40, they can strike people of any age, including children and young adults.

Despite these sobering statistics, brain aneurysms continue to receive limited public attention and research funding.

TeamCindy’s journey began when a group of athletes honored Cindy by competing in the 2009 Lake Placid Ironman — the same event she had been training for when she was struck down. Over the next three years, the Lake Placid team grew to as many as 16 athletes, culminating in 2012 when Cindy’s sister, Lauren, crossed the finish line in her name. From there, TeamCindy expanded to marquee events including the New York Marathon, the Boston Marathon, the Coeur d’Alene Ironman, the Marine Corps Marathon, and the iconic Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon in San Francisco.

In 2014, TeamCindy launched its own signature event — the TeamCindy 5K Run for Research in Riverside Park, New York City. This family-friendly, timed run/walk brought together survivors, families, and supporters each year, and from 2015 to 2024, a partnership with Mount Sinai Health System’s Department of Neurosurgery helped expand its reach and impact.

From our first charity triathlon to our signature 5K, TeamCindy has rallied the community to raise over $800,000 for brain aneurysm research, uniting survivors, families, athletes, and advocates nationwide. These events are woven into our story and remain a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people come together for a cause.

Today, TeamCindy is in a period of restructuring and strategic planning. While fundraising events are currently on pause, our mission remains strong. We invite you to follow our social media channels for updates on future opportunities to participate, support, and advocate.

Click here to change this text