Zoe
On Monday, May 21st, 2017 our family of four enjoyed a Subway sandwich on TV trays as we reviewed the highs and lows of our day.
Zachary, age 14, had babysat his little sister Zoe, age 5 while Chris and I (Ashlee) completed our work for the day. The kids had a low key afternoon watching movies and relaxing as most people prefer to do on a Monday!
After dinner, Zoe got a spark of energy and ran around the living room giggling and chasing her puppy. It was hard to get her ready for bed that night because she was ready to play!
About 9:00 PM we said our family prayers and retired to our bedrooms. Two hours later, Chris and I were abruptly woken by loud, blood-curdling screams from our kitchen. Zoe was walking aimlessly, eyes wild, unresponsive, screaming, "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy." We were terrified. I checked her bed and saw vomit. So, hoping this was just an awful stomach bug, I began to wash her sheets; when minutes later, she fell unconscious and we rushed her to the nearest ER.
The night nurse ordered a CT scan, which revealed a golf ball sized pool of blood on her brain. How did we go from running and chasing our dog to this? Our children have always been healthy and well.
Zoe was rushed to Texas Children's in downtown Houston, where the start of our darkest challenge began. The staff explained that Zoe was one of only one-percent of the population, who are born with an AVM, which is a tangled mass of blood vessels and arteries in her brain. Hers had burst. No explanation on where this came from or what caused it. Unknown to us, it was just there, now threatening our precious daughter's life.
As she lay comatose in ICU, her brain began to swell dangerously until the medical team decided it was time for surgery. It was a daily battle following the surgery. She lay in a medically-induced coma for three and one-half weeks, as we wondered whether she'd open her eyes again; and, if she did, would she even recognize us.
By the grace of God and the remarkable doctors they were able to remove the entire AVM with surgery. During her six weeks in TCH, Zoe slowly recovered. She relearned to walk, talk, feed herself and other daily things, as her brain rewired itself and her body strengthened.
Zoe will be at risk and scanned annually until adulthood.
We are forever grateful for Mark and Sherri Logan of the AVM Research Foundation who have held our hands, prayed for us, and encouraged our family as we faced the unknown with our baby girl. This family has fought for answers for anyone who's been affected by an AVM crisis. ~Ashlee (Zoe's Mom)
Zachary, age 14, had babysat his little sister Zoe, age 5 while Chris and I (Ashlee) completed our work for the day. The kids had a low key afternoon watching movies and relaxing as most people prefer to do on a Monday!
After dinner, Zoe got a spark of energy and ran around the living room giggling and chasing her puppy. It was hard to get her ready for bed that night because she was ready to play!
About 9:00 PM we said our family prayers and retired to our bedrooms. Two hours later, Chris and I were abruptly woken by loud, blood-curdling screams from our kitchen. Zoe was walking aimlessly, eyes wild, unresponsive, screaming, "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy." We were terrified. I checked her bed and saw vomit. So, hoping this was just an awful stomach bug, I began to wash her sheets; when minutes later, she fell unconscious and we rushed her to the nearest ER.
The night nurse ordered a CT scan, which revealed a golf ball sized pool of blood on her brain. How did we go from running and chasing our dog to this? Our children have always been healthy and well.
Zoe was rushed to Texas Children's in downtown Houston, where the start of our darkest challenge began. The staff explained that Zoe was one of only one-percent of the population, who are born with an AVM, which is a tangled mass of blood vessels and arteries in her brain. Hers had burst. No explanation on where this came from or what caused it. Unknown to us, it was just there, now threatening our precious daughter's life.
As she lay comatose in ICU, her brain began to swell dangerously until the medical team decided it was time for surgery. It was a daily battle following the surgery. She lay in a medically-induced coma for three and one-half weeks, as we wondered whether she'd open her eyes again; and, if she did, would she even recognize us.
By the grace of God and the remarkable doctors they were able to remove the entire AVM with surgery. During her six weeks in TCH, Zoe slowly recovered. She relearned to walk, talk, feed herself and other daily things, as her brain rewired itself and her body strengthened.
Zoe will be at risk and scanned annually until adulthood.
We are forever grateful for Mark and Sherri Logan of the AVM Research Foundation who have held our hands, prayed for us, and encouraged our family as we faced the unknown with our baby girl. This family has fought for answers for anyone who's been affected by an AVM crisis. ~Ashlee (Zoe's Mom)
Carly
My name is Carly Nunn and I am 22 years old. I am a stroke, aneurysm, and AVM survivor. I had a craniotomy which successfully removed my AVM.
Here is my story.
In the early hours of November 13th, 2018, I felt dizzy and weak so I laid down unaware that anything critical was happening. As I turned to grab my phone, my hand did not reach it. I tried to scream for help, but no sound would come out. After what seems like eternity, I scream and my roommate, who is an RN, came in and quickly figured out I had a stroke... but why?
After a CT scan, they had informed me that I had a stroke and a brain aneurysm, but they were not sure the cause until more tests were ran. Doctors discovered that I had an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) that had ruptured. I had lost my ability to speak, walk, write, and read.
On November 21, 2018, I successfully had a craniotomy which removed the AVM. My stay at University of Cincinnati Medical Center consisted of 3 weeks in the Neurology Intensive Care Unit. After that, I entered rehab in which I relearned the basics of everyday life. It has been a very hard and emotional journey for myself, my family and friends. My AVM rupture was very difficult for myself, but my family were as supportive as any family could be.
At age 21, I never knew what an aneurysm was, nor the potential signs and symptoms. I have been very passionate about advocating for those who have had a brain injury like mine and try to increase awareness about this subject to other young adults like myself and educate the public that young adults are affected by brain aneurysms, too. Because, every survivor is a son or daughter, brother or sister and families need support and education to help survivors flourish in their new “normal”.
Here is my story.
In the early hours of November 13th, 2018, I felt dizzy and weak so I laid down unaware that anything critical was happening. As I turned to grab my phone, my hand did not reach it. I tried to scream for help, but no sound would come out. After what seems like eternity, I scream and my roommate, who is an RN, came in and quickly figured out I had a stroke... but why?
After a CT scan, they had informed me that I had a stroke and a brain aneurysm, but they were not sure the cause until more tests were ran. Doctors discovered that I had an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) that had ruptured. I had lost my ability to speak, walk, write, and read.
On November 21, 2018, I successfully had a craniotomy which removed the AVM. My stay at University of Cincinnati Medical Center consisted of 3 weeks in the Neurology Intensive Care Unit. After that, I entered rehab in which I relearned the basics of everyday life. It has been a very hard and emotional journey for myself, my family and friends. My AVM rupture was very difficult for myself, but my family were as supportive as any family could be.
At age 21, I never knew what an aneurysm was, nor the potential signs and symptoms. I have been very passionate about advocating for those who have had a brain injury like mine and try to increase awareness about this subject to other young adults like myself and educate the public that young adults are affected by brain aneurysms, too. Because, every survivor is a son or daughter, brother or sister and families need support and education to help survivors flourish in their new “normal”.
Kyler
On April 10, 2020, Kyler was riding in the car with his mom, Raylene, when he turned to her and seemed very confused. He told his mom he didn’t know where he was or how he got in the car. Then, he complained his head hurt very badly and his vision was blurry. Suddenly, he couldn’t remember anything for more than a few seconds. A brain CT scan revealed Kyler was bleeding in his brain due to an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in his brain. He had a Grade 5 AVM in his parietal/occipital lobe and thalamic region of his brain. After discussing with 16 different neurosurgeons around the world, he eventually traveled to California and received three rounds of Gamma Knife Radiation treatment. He had numerous complications due to the treatment including seizures and brain swelling. He has a service dog named Sammy, too! Kyler and the entire Lewis family have started their own non-profit who are helping many families who have received this very rare diagnosis. They have named their non-profit AVM Alliance. They do many things and have even given fundraiser money to other foundations to further their charities and research, such as AVM Research Foundation. To find out more…visit www.avmalliance.org
Neiron
Neiron Arrod Ball was a student in the Butts County School system where his favorite teacher was Mrs. Claire Zant.
Mrs. Zant was pivotal in helping Neiron and his family during the difficult time when he lost both parents by the age of
9 years old. Neiron was an honor student and member of the BETA Club throughout his educational career. Neiron
was a three-sport athlete at Jackson High School where he ran track, played basketball, and excelled at football.
Neiron graduated from Jackson High School in 2010. He received a full athletic scholarship to the University of
Florida (UF) and graduated early from Jackson High School as he enrolled at UF on January 2010. He attended the
University of Florida where he was a linebacker on the football team from 2010-2015. He received his Bachelor of
Science degree from UF. Neiron entered the 2015 National Football League Draft. He was drafted in the 5th Round
(#161) by the Oakland Raiders. Neiron played for the Oakland Raiders from 2015-2017. Despite these athletic
accolades, his greatest accomplishment was his character and courage as he wore a smile on his face and was a
caring individual. He was honored with two prestigious awards during his college career at UF: Chris Patrick Courage
Award & Forest K. Ferguson Award.
The Chris Patrick Courage Award is given to the player who, after injury, demonstrates outstanding commitment and
dedication in the athletic training room in an effort return to activity with the team. Neiron Ball is synonymous with the
word courage. He suffered from AVM in 2012 and was sidelined with this injury for one season. During his time with
the Gators, he was able to get back on the field and be a productive linebacker for the Gators. Ball was the recipient
of the Christ Patrick Courage Award in 2013. The Forest K. Ferguson Award is presented annually in memory of one
of the University of Florida’s greatest athletes. The award is given in the form of a trophy, which remains in
permanent possession of the school. The recipient is the Gators’ senior football player who displays outstanding
leadership, character, and courage and is selected by the Florida Gators coaching staff; Neiron was the recipient of
this award in 2014.
Neiron made his transition to be with the Lord on September 10, 2019 as a result of suffering a brain aneurysm on
September 16, 2018. Neiron fought hard to overcome the obstacles of the illness while he was hospitalized. Dr.
Natalie Ball-Myricks established the NB Legacy Scholarship in honor of her baby brother to be a beacon of hope for
student athletes who struggle against all odds in their life. Despite all obstacles, Neiron smiled in the face of God. It is
the foundation’s hope that the recipient(s) of this scholarship will help continue Neiron’s legacy by working hard and
defying the odds while they pursue their degree. The Neiron Ball Legacy Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating
Jackson High School student athlete who encompassing both the qualities of both awards that Neiron received at the
University of Florida. The recipient(s) of this award will be announced at the Jackson High School graduation by a
member of the NB Scholarship committee.
To find out more about the Neiron Ball Legacy Foundation please visit www.neironballlegacyfoundation.com
