Support Group Recap: January 26th

On January 26th at 1 PM Arizona time, I had the incredible opportunity to host my very first support group for AVM, stroke survivors, TBIs, etc. This gathering marked an important milestone in my journey as both a survivor and an advocate. Having lived with an AVM, endured a stroke caused by three brain aneurysms, and faced the challenges of recovery, creating a space where others could share their experiences and support one another felt deeply meaningful.

The group brought together an amazing mix of people who all shared one thing in common: resilience in the face of life-changing events. We came together to connect, share our stories, and find strength in one another. The highlight of the meeting was my interview with Jaxon, a fellow AVM and stroke survivor. Jaxon’s positive energy and optimistic outlook were nothing short of inspiring. He shared his journey, his challenges, and how he has found purpose and joy despite everything he has been through. His words resonated deeply with everyone in the group, sparking hope and motivation. I asked questions such as “did you have any previous knowledge of what an AVM is? or recovery is physical but also psychological, if you had one thing to say to everyone, what would it be?” — and his responses were phenomenal.

The session was filled with moments of connection, understanding, and compassion. There’s something incredibly powerful about being in a room—virtual or otherwise—where you don’t have to explain your struggles because everyone just gets it. It reminded me how important it is to have a space where people can feel seen, heard, and supported without judgment.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of the day was seeing how open and willing everyone was to share their stories. It was a reminder that even in our hardest moments, we are never truly alone when we have others to lean on.

This support group wasn’t just about sharing struggles—it was about celebrating progress, no matter how big or small, and about uplifting one another to keep moving forward. Seeing the impact this gathering had on everyone involved filled me with so much gratitude and excitement for what’s to come.

I am already planning the next session and can’t wait to see how this group evolves and grows. My hope is that it becomes a safe haven for survivors, caregivers, and anyone impacted by AVMs or strokes—a place where we can draw strength, find hope, and support one another through every step of this journey.

If you or someone you know has been affected by an AVM or stroke, I encourage you to join us in the future. Together, we are stronger, and together, we can create a community where no one has to face this journey alone.

Here is a Tik Tok I made of BE FAST, and what they stand for!