From Stroke Survivor to Advocate — Help Tori Go!

Hi everyone!

I wanted to share a little bit about why I’m fundraising right now.

Back in 2019, when I was 16, I suffered a hemorrhagic brain bleed due to a ruptured AVM (arteriovenous malformation) in my brain - something we had no idea I had. It led to a massive stroke that left me completely paralyzed on my right side. I spent months in the PICU, where I had to relearn how to talk and walk again. Less than a month into my hospital stay, I also went into kidney failure.

In the early days of my hospitalization, doctors discovered I also had an aneurysm located dangerously close to the AVM. I was rushed into emergency brain surgery, which was the first of multiple procedures I would undergo. Later on, I had a second surgery to treat the AVM and another to place my bone flap back in my skull.

Although I’ve come a long way, I still don’t have use of my right hand and walk with the help of a leg brace. Then in April 2025, years later, I experienced an unexpected seizure. Doctors believe it may be due to scar tissue left from my AVM and surgeries, and I’m now being evaluated for possible epilepsy.

A few years ago, I was part of an amazing organization called TAAF - The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation. This year, I’ve been given the opportunity to travel to San Francisco to take part in Over The Edge: Rappel for Research! It’s a chance to reconnect with a community that understands my journey, and to help raise awareness and support life-saving research.

This GoFundMe will help cover the costs of travel and lodging, as well as help me contribute toward the fundraising commitment for the event.

If you’re able to give, share, or simply send love - thank you so much. It truly means the world!