Meet Morgan Leigh – Living With An AVM

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Hi, I'm Morgan, and I live in the beautiful red rock town of Sedona, Arizona.

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I grew up in New Jersey and lived there until I was about 12 years old. When my family moved

to Arizona, the first things I noticed were the underwhelming schools, and the absolutely

stunning landscape. Eventually, I toured Verde Valley School and immediately fell in love. I

spent all four years of high school there, from freshman to senior year.

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At the end of my senior year, my friends were goofing off when someone playfully pulled me off

the theater stage and I hit my head hard. I felt more embarrassed than hurt and went to the

nurse’s office. She ran a few quick checks, had me follow her fingers, did a few coordination

tests, and sent me on my way.

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But the next morning, something felt off. I woke up and couldn’t walk. I had right-side paralysis. I knew I needed help and demanded a ride to the hospital. That’s when everything changed. I

was diagnosed with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) — a rare condition affecting only

about 18 in every 100,000 people. Mine was especially serious, as it housed three aneurysms.

 

On May 30, 2021, all three ruptured.

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I don’t remember much for over a month after that. I underwent a craniotomy, an intensive

brain surgery where part of the skull is temporarily removed to access and repair the brain. I had Gamma Knife after that to get the remaining 25%. Recovery was long and intense. For nearly a year and a half, I dedicated myself to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

 

Healing was my full-time job.

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Today, I work part-time at the Sedona Heritage Museum, where I help with inventory and enjoy

connecting with visitors and staff. It brings a sense of purpose and joy that I cherish deeply.

So that’s me — that’s where I’ve been and where I am now.

 

I’m incredibly grateful you’re here reading this. Thank you for being a part of my journey. 

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— Morgan Leigh