Team AVM was born shortly after I was diagnosed with an arteriovenous malformation on the brain. I remember when I first Googled the condition and found there was limited support available. (We are truly... rare!) I created Team AVM so that I could find someone to connect with while recovering. Today, I'm proud to say that Team AVM is quickly turning into an inspirational movement to many and I am so appreciative. You have given me a purpose in life and for that, I will remain forever grateful to each and every one of you.
As a CC.Ht., I have helped hundreds of patients over the years overcome drug and alcohol abuse, phobias, weight loss, obsessive-compulsive disorders, stress and anxiety disorders, relationship counseling and enhancement, self-esteem and self-improvement through Behavioral Therapy. Today, my mission with Team AVM is to ensure that others living with this rare disease, as well as their caregivers, family, and friends, receive education, awareness, inspiration, and support.
I am a spiritual person and I'm not going to lie, I was angry at God. I went through the "why me" phase, trust me. But I kept my faith and relied on him to guide me through this journey. I found myself beginning to open up, sharing snippets of my experiences on my personal Facebook page, along with some groups I had joined. I met others with arteriovenous malformations and Epilepsy. I wasn't alone and there were people who understood exactly what I was going through.
As my recovery improved, I found myself becoming a "mentor" instead of "the student". And through that, I started reaping the rewards. I was becoming an inspiration to friends and co-workers, others who suffer from this rare disease, and even those who suffer from other illnesses or diseases such as cancer, Lyme disease, chronic pain, stress, anxiety, even PTSD.
The decision to begin writing about my own experience with this disease was a recent and difficult one. It is my nature to guide others and I'm used to people opening up to me, not the other way around. I buried my struggles, pretending to be strong and courageous on the outside for my family, but ignoring the fact I was falling apart on the inside. And readers, that's not how recovery works. You have to talk about it because it truly does take a village, even if that village is one person.
One day I will write about the very moment I asked a dear friend of mine, "Where do I go from here, what is my purpose in life?", and how he believed I could make a positive change in others' lives. That special friend is the reason why I decided to expand Team AVM and to assure you that you are not alone in your journey.
There is support out there, so, please...
Come join us in the Team AVM private Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/OfficalTeamAVM
Only current members of the group will see your posts and comments, not your friends list. We'd love to have you.
While you're at it, please also "like" the Team AVM Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTeamAVM
Stay tuned to my blog as I have so much more planned for my readers!
Most importantly, thank YOU for your support and for helping Team AVM grow into such an inspirational movement. I couldn't have done it without you!
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