Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page.

Since I was a child I experienced seizures that consistently went undiagnosed..until October 28, 2002. On that day, at 27 years old, I suffered a Grand Mal seizure whiIe teaching. I lost consciousness and was unable to breathe. I am forever grateful for the incredible friends and paramedics who saved my life in my classroom that day and stayed by my side.

It was on that day in October that an AVM in the left temporal lobe of my brain was finally found. It had been growing since birth. In simplest terms, an AVM is a gnarly malformation or knot of both arterties and veins combined- most commonly found in the brain. The next step was the first of two surgeries- an embolization of the AVM on Dec 6, 2002. I was warned that the next surgery, a full craniotomy to remove my AVM, may result in loss of my speech as well as memory. I was blessed with an incredible surgeon- Dr. Robert Solomon and his team at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in NYC who successfully removed my AVM on Jan 21, 2003 with no deficits. I consider myself extremely lucky. There are many survivors like myself, however still many who live with inoperable aneurysms and AVMs who are suffering and undergoing difficult treatment. Research, support, and awareness are crucial.

On May 6 of this year I am excited to be participating in the TAAF 7th Annual Aneurysm and AVM Awareness Walk in San Fransisco, CA. I truly appreciate the continued love and support from my amazing family and friends. This is an important cause which is close to my heart, that I am proud to be a part of.    

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Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!