Welcome to the Wild Lines AVM Project:

This project is dedicated to my mom who went through life with a rare condition called Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). At 25 I still struggle to pronounce it. One of my earliest childhood memories involves feeling so much fear that comes from watching someone who is suffering from something that is so misunderstood. My mom passed away when she was 39 so I know what it is to promise someone you'll do all the things they wanted to do. I was in the fourth grade. I have an AVM in my left knee that was diagnosed when I was seven so I know what it's like to wonder if something may be fatal.

I learned not to talk about having an AVM because most people haven't heard of it and as a kid I assumed it held more power then it really did. I wasn't until this year that I decided I had had enough. I wanted to pursue every adventure sport and one day have healthy kids. I went back for more diagnostic testing this year and realized I wanted to help more families. Sometimes your purpose has been in front of your for your ENTIRE LIFE and you can sit through all the business classes and then it hits you in the face. Having a child or parent suffering from something you don't understand is super scary. I remember my Grandpa sneaking me in to see my mom in the hospital because kids weren't allowed. My Grandparents are the kind of people who are always positive and they didn't know what to do either.

One of the many things I want to do is help educate children about healthcare challenges. How you explain something physical to a young child can effect how they feel about their body for years. I want kids to know that they aren't defective. I remember visiting hospitals and doctors as a kid and not knowing what was really going on. My Mom had multiple AVMs throughout her body and there was no support system for her. It was before the Internet and I don't think any doctor ever connected her with a support system. I remember being in the cookbook section of my local bookstore and realizing that we know more about cooking a chicken then we do about our own physiology. Working on a cure is the bravest thing I could do with my life since every part of who you is useful. Here are my primary focuses:

1. Cure this condition through promoting research by supporting scientists and sharing their meaningful work.

2. Educate children with a focus on their needs about how to thrive emotionally and physically. We create the top fun programs for kid and teens facing a unique health situation.

3. Educate adults about their changing lifestyle needs and provide a creative support system. We strive to turn scary situations into a life that can be enjoyed.

4. Collaborate with doctors and reward the best for their quality of treatment. People all over the world should have access to the best medical care. We connect and help people fund what can be very expensive treatment.

5. Our events shatter the stigma that those with a rare condition can't participate in active activities. Our events get everyone moving and living life the fullest.