Lauren's Journey - A Cure for AVM

Lauren was diagnosed in 2013, at age 6, with a rare congenital disease: Arteriovenous Malformation. AVM is a high pressure tangle of arteries and veins without a capillary bed to slow the blood flow. This results in weakening of the draining veins and likely hemorrhage.Lauren’s  AVM is very large, encompassing most of her brain's left frontal lobe, and extending into the left temporal and parietal lobes. It causes stroke like symptoms (temporary paralysis, numbness, weakness, difficulty speaking) dizziness, and severe headaches. In addition, it's in an eloquent part of her brain, causing learning difficulties.As it grows and steals the blood supply from surrounding brain tissue, it is damaging her brain. From diagnosis, it was labeled as an untreatable AVM due to its size and location, and the risks involved with attempting to treat it. It is a time bomb in Lauren’s brain. She has a 99% chance of subarachnoid hemorrhage (stroke) in her lifetime. The mortality rate associated with an AVM rupture is as high as 67%. Up to 40% of rupture survivors are left with severe disabilities.  The average age of a hemorrhagic rupture is 17. Lauren turned 14 in February 2020. From diagnosis we heeded the medical advice to not treat. Now, there are visible changes (dilation of the draining veins in her forehead) and possibly growth in the AVM that signal that the need to find a skilled neurosurgeon has arrived. Her neurologist advised in January 2018 that treatment must be found.  Many, many neurosurgeons and cerebrovascular experts were consulted about Lauren's AVM. In August 2018 we found some hope with Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ. Lauren underwent her first round of gamma knife in May 2019. We anticipate that she will undergo several gamma treatments over the next approximately 7 years. Medical costs, along with travel, lodging, and everything associated with this are expected to be high. Donations will be held in a dedicated account and used towards medical expenses not covered by insurance, along with the travel related costs between Las Vegas and Phoenix. Funds may also be used for Lauren’s care in the event of a rupture. I'm fighting for my daughter's life. I need help, and I hope you will open your heart to my kind, beautiful girl. Thank you for your donations, your shares, your prayers and for being there for us.