In an effort to raise awareness of a sudden and fatal illness that claims nearly 500,000 lives annually, The Joe Niekro Foundation has teamed up with actress Tamala Jones of "Castle" and luxury hat maker Canada Bliss in a model search for brain aneurysm survivors.

Through June 5, the Brain Aneurysm Survivor Model Search is looking for survivors age 18 and older to appear in advertising for Tamala By Canada Bliss, Jones' signature line of hand-crocheted hats. Participants must submit a 500-word essay and two photos at joeniekrofoundation.com/events/survivormodel-search.

"We are thrilled to be collaborating with Tamala, Canada Bliss and survivors across America.This is a wonderful testament to survivors everywhere that awareness is beautiful andchic," said Niekro who lost her father, major league baseball legend Joe Niekro to a brainaneurysm in 2006. "What an incredible day it will be when we get to witness these courageoussurvivors representing a platform that is so vitally important to our mission."

The model search is the start of Jones' personal aneurysm early detection campaign and survivor self-esteem initiative that seeks to educate the public on the warning signs and symptoms of brain aneurysms by encouraging survivors to share their stories and show post aneurysm successes. Jones suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm at age 23.

Luxury hat maker Canada Bliss worked with Jones to create the signature line Tamala By Canada Bliss to help raise awareness of brain aneurysms. The company is now taking its altruism a step further by placing survivors chosen via the model search in advertising for he brand. Proceeds from the sales of Tamala By Canada Bliss benefit brain aneurysm awareness and research.