In memory of Marina Kostadinovski

The past couple of days have been extremely painful and sad as the world has lost one of the most genuine, sweet and kind souls.  Marina had Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT). HHT is a common genetic disorder that affects how blood vessels are formed. Marina was diagnosed with this at the age of 17. Most would never know she was sick because of her strong will to fight this disease. Everyone who has ever had the privilege of knowing her would say she was always positive and she would never let anything stop her from achieving her goals and dreams. On Tuesday, April 2nd, she found out she had a lung Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM). AVMs are common. AVM's lack capillaries and directly connect veins and arteries. These malformations can be very dangerous when found in the lungs (Pulmonary AVMs or PAVMs). As Marina was going to Cleveland Clinic for the treatment, she had said she wanted to be a part of researching, treating, and spreading awareness for this common disease that anyone could have without even knowing they have it. Marina was planning on attending law school this September and said once she became a lawyer, she would be able to donate to HHT research and awareness. Unfortunately, she can no longer fulfill this dream. My aunt Elena, Marina's mom, is a single mother and is currently in nursing school. Elena has 5 weeks left until she graduates from nursing school, and seeing her mom graduate in a short few weeks was one of Marina's other biggest dreams. These generous donations will be used mainly to start a foundation for HHT awareness & medical research in Marina's name and honor, as well as to help Marina's beloved mother Elena offset any costs that have been incurred as a result of this sudden and unfortunate family tragedy.  The donation will be made to Cleveland Clinic so Marina can get her name on the wall in her honor.  Marina's family appreciates everyone's kindness in this time of grievance. We thank you for honoring Marina as the positive vibrant person she was and will forever be as she lives on in our hearts.

You can learn more about this disease by visiting www.hht.org