AVM Research Foundation

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to the moms who carry a weight most people will never fully understand — the mothers of children with an AVM.

You have faced fear, uncertainty, hospital rooms, sleepless nights, hard decisions, maybe even the unimaginable loss of a child, and prayers whispered through tears. You have learned how strong love can be when life feels fragile.

Your courage shows up in the quiet moments: advocating for your child, holding their hand through procedures, celebrating every victory, grieving deep losses, and finding hope even on the hardest days.

Today, we celebrate you — not just for what you endure, but for the extraordinary love, strength, and grace you give every single day.

May you feel seen, supported, and deeply appreciated this Mother’s Day. Your child is forever blessed to have you as their mother. 💜

04/30/2026

Please read this family’s story about their son’s AVM journey and keep them in your prayers. We are working incredibly hard to create a safer treatment and have earlier detection!

Son...
Today marks a remarkable milestone - the 11th anniversary of your craniotomy brain surgery on 4/28/15, that lasted 14.5-hour to successfully remove your grade 4 right frontal lobe AVM! Your resilience and unwavering dedication to making every day a little better is genuinely inspiring. Amidst the uncertainty of your seizures, you and Emily face each one you have together and I'm so thankful you have her by your side as your beautiful wife. To the exceptional team of surgeons, compassionate medical staff, kind strangers, loved ones, and friends, along with God and your heavenly angels that stood by and continue to be by your side I'm forever in debt to them for everything they did. Your future shines bright with promise and hope, and I'm so grateful you're here to experience it all. I love you more than words can express, son!! I'm forever grateful to be your mom!

04/23/2026

What is an AVM?

An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins in the brain.

Because of this abnormal connection:
• Blood flow can be disrupted
• Pressure can build
• And in some cases, it can lead to bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke)

Many people don’t know they have an AVM—until it becomes an emergency.

That’s exactly what happened to our son, Ryan.

In 2015, Ryan suffered a sudden stroke caused by a brain AVM. In an instant, everything changed for our family. What started as a normal day became a fight for his life—and a journey we never expected.

Ryan’s story is the reason the AVM Research Foundation exists.
But we also know we are not alone. There are more families—right now—walking this same unexpected, life-altering path. We wake up every day for them, too.

We are committed to raising awareness so fewer families are caught off guard, and to funding research so one day AVMs can be detected earlier, treated more safely, and ultimately cured.

Awareness can save lives. Ryan’s story—and so many others—are proof.
💙 Help us spread the word.

01/01/2026

✨ Happy New Year from AVM Research Foundation! ✨

As we step into 2026, our hearts are full of gratitude and hope. Thanks to you—our incredible donors, dedicated volunteers, and faithful prayer warriors—we are making meaningful strides in AVM research and moving closer every day to better answers and brighter outcomes.
Your support fuels innovation, courage, and perseverance. It reminds us that this mission is bigger than any one of us—and that together, we truly are stronger.
Here’s to a new year filled with progress, collaboration, and renewed
determination. 💙

Let’s make 2026 the year we move closer to finding a safer treatment.
From all of us at AVM Research Foundation, thank you for standing with us. Wishing you and your loved ones health, hope, and happiness in the year ahead. 🌟

12/25/2025

🎄 A Christmas Wish from AVM Research Foundation 🎄

This Christmas season, shining bright,
We send out hope and gentle light.
To every heart both far and near,
We wish you joy and endless cheer.

Amid the carols, calm and clear,
Our mission grows with each new year—
To seek out answers, find the way,
For brighter, safer, kinder days.

For those who face an AVM’s fight,
You are our purpose, our guiding light.
Through research, care, and hearts aligned,
New paths to healing we’ll surely find.

So may your days be warm and true,
With love and peace in all you do.
From all of us who share this dream,
Merry Christmas — with hope supreme.

✨ With heartfelt wishes,
AVM Research Foundation

12/02/2025

🌟 Giving Tuesday is Here! 🌟

Today is a worldwide day dedicated to generosity, and we’re honored to take part in it at AVM Research Foundation.

Your support helps us continue our mission to fund research for safer treatments and earlier detection of AVMs. Every donation—big or small—moves us closer to a future where no individual or family has to endure the suffering this rare diagnosis brings.

If you’d like to give, you can do so easily by clicking the link below:
👉 www.research4ryan.org

To all who have been affected by an AVM, or love someone who has—you are the reason we work tirelessly.

Thank you in advance for your generosity, your prayers, and your continued support. Together, we are creating hope for generations to come. ❤️

AVM Research Foundation is committed to raising funds to increase awareness of AVMs, earlier detection, and finding a safer treatment for those affected. Approximately 1% of Americans are diagnosed with Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs).

11/27/2025

🍁 Happy Thanksgiving from the AVM Research Foundation! 🧡

Today we are especially grateful for YOU — our incredible community of supporters who lift us up through your prayers, donations, and volunteer work. Because of your generosity and dedication, we continue to make meaningful strides in advancing medical research and bringing hope to those affected by AVMs.

We truly could not do this without your hearts, your compassion, and your belief in our mission.

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving. 🦃🍂

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

— AVM Research Foundation 💙

11/11/2025

🌟 Ryan Update 🌟

Ryan has moved once again — last Thursday he was transferred from ICU back to TIRR Inpatient Rehab! 🙌

When we got to his room, we noticed a limb alert bracelet on his left arm. I asked about it and was told he has a few superficial clots in that arm. The doctor reassured me they’re not concerned and that it shouldn’t cause any problems. They also removed his PICC line due to an infection, but started him on antibiotics right away. I was praying he wouldn’t have to go back to the hospital — and thankfully, he didn’t! 🙏

Friday was such a good day. He looked so relaxed and peaceful. On Monday, therapy officially began again and he did great! He was able to slightly move his head forward on command (with assistance) and even initiate movement in his right arm.

Today, speech therapy came in and placed a speaking valve over his trach — and he made a little noise! 💖 Hearing even the smallest sound was music to our ears. He’s still sleeping a lot because of his disorders of consciousness, but we’re praying that as he begins to move more, he’ll continue to wake up.

And a little extra victory today — he chewed and swallowed a small piece of ice (with help from speech therapy)! 🧊 Baby steps are huge steps for him right now.

Please continue to pray for no more complications, for more wakefulness, and that he’ll begin moving, talking, and eating more in the days to come. We’re trusting God with every tiny step and so grateful for all of your continued prayers and love. 💙
I’ll keep you posted as the week unfolds!

11/11/2025

🇺🇸 Happy Veteran’s Day 🇺🇸

Today, we pause with deep gratitude to honor all of the brave men and women who have served our country. Your courage, sacrifice, and love for others make it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. 💙❤️

At the AVM Research Foundation, we are especially mindful of the strength it takes to face life’s battles—both on and off the field. To every veteran and military family, we thank you. Your resilience and dedication inspire us every day as we continue our mission to bring hope, healing, and progress through research.

From our hearts to yours — thank you for your service. 🇺🇸💫

10/31/2025

🕸️ In labs where beakers bubble and gleam,
Researchers work toward a life-saving dream.

Microscopes glimmer, ideas take flight,
Chasing a cure through the long, spooky night! 🧠✨

But science needs helpers, both near and afar—
Our donors, volunteers, and prayer warriors are the stars! 🌟

Your love fuels discovery, your gifts light the way,
Together we bring hope—each and every day. 💜

So as pumpkins glow and children cheer,
We’re grateful for YOU this time of year. 🎃

May your Halloween be happy, your hearts be bright,
And may miracles brew in the lab tonight! 🧪👩‍🔬👨‍🔬