First Documented Two-Time Brain Aneurysm Survivor to Become an NCRA-Certified Court Reporter
Record Holder
Metric
Date Achieved
Location
Atlas Record ID
Michelle Houston
First Documented Completion
6 July 2009
Brandywine, Maryland [USA]
20426051
Michelle Houston survived two separate brain aneurysm events, including a ruptured aneurysm in 1998 and a second aneurysm that was later surgically repaired. Following both medical events, she earned National Court Reporters Association Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) certification on July 6, 2009, establishing a documented milestone in professional credentialing following significant neurological adversity.
Transparent Adjudicator's Statement
Summary of Claim
The claimant asserted that she is the first documented individual known to have survived two separate brain aneurysm events and subsequently become an NCRA-certified court reporter. The claim required evidence establishing both aneurysm events occurred prior to the awarding of NCRA Registered Professional Reporter certification.
Evidence Submitted
Atlas World Records reviewed documentation relating to Michelle Houston's medical history, including evidence of a ruptured brain aneurysm in 1998 and a second aneurysm requiring surgical intervention between approximately 2005 and 2007. Atlas also reviewed evidence of National Court Reporters Association Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) certification awarded on July 6, 2009, along with supporting professional biographical materials and publicly available published accounts of her recovery and professional career.
Comparative and Cross-Archive Benchmark Review
Atlas World Records conducted a comparative review across publicly available news archives, professional publications, medical survivor stories, court reporting industry resources, and the publicly accessible records maintained by major world record organizations. While other documented survivors of multiple brain aneurysm events were identified, Atlas found no earlier documented individual meeting all definitional criteria of this category: survival of two separate brain aneurysm events prior to attaining NCRA certification as a court reporter.
Verification Methodology
Atlas evaluated the chronology of the claimant's medical history against the date of her professional certification. Evidence was reviewed to establish that both aneurysm events occurred before the certification date of July 6, 2009. Atlas then conducted a comparative benchmark review to identify any publicly documented prior examples satisfying the same criteria. The adjudication standard applied was "first documented," meaning the determination was based upon the absence of an earlier publicly verifiable benchmark discovered during a reasonable and comprehensive review.
Adjudication Findings
The evidence supports that Michelle Houston survived a ruptured brain aneurysm in 1998 and later underwent treatment for a second brain aneurysm prior to 2009. The evidence further supports that she was awarded National Court Reporters Association Registered Professional Reporter certification on July 6, 2009. No earlier documented example was identified of an individual who survived two separate brain aneurysm events and subsequently became an NCRA-certified court reporter.
Conclusion
Atlas World Records recognizes Michelle Houston as the First Documented Two-Time Brain Aneurysm Survivor to Become an NCRA-Certified Court Reporter. Based upon the evidence reviewed and the comparative benchmark analysis conducted, the claim satisfies the requirements for certification under Atlas World Records adjudication standards.
