Jo’s AVM journey

Joanna was diagnosed with AVM (arteriovenois malformation) a couple of months ago.

What is an AVM? A cerebral AVM (arteriovenous malformation) is basically a tangle of not correctly formed blood vessels in a portion of the brain. The communication/distribution channel between that artery & vein doesn't exist, so it throws off how the blood, oxygen, & nutrients are being supplied in that particular part of the body. AVMs are mostly congenital (born with it). & they can occur anywhere in the body where an artery and vein are present. They are rare. Joanna’s AVM is in the front portion on the right side of her brain. Because that communication/distribution channel doesn't exist, my blood flow in that area is moving a lot more forcefully & faster than it should. Which is starting to create weaknesses/little bulges in the arteries called aneurysms. Joanna has 5 arterial aneursyms. Also many other vessels are now beginning to feel the effects from the AVM, which is why she started showing symptoms.

If you know Joanna you know that she is the most beautiful human inside/out. All of the appointments, surgeries and hospital stays are starting to add up financially. Please consider donating so that money is the last thing on this sweet couple’s mind.