Bianca's Story
It's funny how God allows life to bring people together in as many ways as there are rays of sun. When you look at it straight on, it's hard to see clearly, the brightness blurring the view. But with some perspective, like a step back or protectant from the glare, we can appreciate the beauty, stars of hot plasma become young women set ablaze. In addition to the work I've been doing with TheAVMProject and More Than Skin Deep, I've run my nonprofit Jaz's Jammies, which collects new pajamas for children in hospitals and homeless shelters, for the past ten years. One of the most fulfilling partnerships to date has been with Whitehaven High School in Memphis, Tenn. Those kids seem young, but their ability to empathize with others enduring hardship and put forth real effort to lighten the others load, is an inspiring sight to witness. For us, this meant teenagers, with busying school work and bubbling personal lives, spending weeks collecting new pajamas, and then presenting hundreds of pairs to our organization during a morning assembly celebration.
It was in the midst of these festivities that a teacher first mentioned Bianca, a young African-American girl like me who also had an AVM. After connecting and exchanging text messages for four (yes, four!) years, we finally met. Over deep dish pizza, in a small Mississippi town outside our city, she shared her story with me. With a temperament somewhere between indomitable and sanguine, she detailed key events in her journey, from her first AVM scare - swimming with friends and family on a warm summer day, feeling dizzy with a panging headache, and then passing out - to her road to recovery post diagnosis - hours and hours of rehab, isolation, and reintroduction to daily life, not worse, but definitely different from before. I am so proud of Bianca's strength and fortitude. Her quiet confidence gives me courage to be as self-assured and secure. Hear from Bianca in her own words...
Hometown: Memphis TN
When I was younger, I wanted to be: a model
In 10 years, I will have: a successful career, a big house, and a family
My life long goal is to: be successful
If I could change one thing about the world, I would: change people's attitudes
My favorite quote/scripture/affirmation statement is: Treat people how you want to be treated.
1) Describe the type of AVM you have?brain What was the first sign?
I had a headache.
2) How did you eventually come to receive treatment?
Blood vessels ruptured, and I had a stroke.
3) Who are/were your main doctors, where are/were you treated and how has your care been?
Dr. Hewitt & Dr. Muhlbauer . I was treated at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, and the care has been great.
4) How do you feel your health will progress in the future?
I feel it will be the same but with improvements in mobility.
5) How has having an AVM changed or impacted your life?
It helped me to see things in a different view point, and I learned how strong I really am.
6) What has been your biggest challenge in the battle with AVM?
learning to do everything over again.
7) What do you think a documentary about those surviving AVM can achieve?
I think it will raise more awareness about AVM.
8) What are your hopes for the future of AVM research?
an easier way to detect early signs
9) What has been the biggest lesson you've learned throughout your journey thus far?
to never take anything for granted.
10) What is your proudest accomplishment?
Being a student at Anthem Career College in Memphis.
