My name is Emily Tang, and I’m an AVM survivor passionate about spreading hope to others facing similar challenges. I wanted to reach out and share my story, as I believe it might resonate with and encourage those in your community.
At 15, I went from being a nationally ranked archer to collapsing from a brain AVM and stroke that left me paralyzed on my left side and unable to speak. After months in hospitals, a risky craniotomy, and setbacks like dystonia, I fought my way back, learning to walk, returning to archery, and even winning first place at an international DECA competition. My journey taught me that recovery isn’t about becoming who you were before but about becoming someone stronger. I hope my story gives hope to anyone facing AVM or any battle.
I recently wrote “My Journey as an AVM Survivor” on Medium, where I share in more detail how I faced an uncertain future, navigated intensive rehab, and redefined myself through resilience and new achievements.
If possible, please share this with your members so it can reach those who may need a reminder that recovery is possible.
Thanks for sharing your story Emily! I have an unruptured AVM in a location that sounds similar to yours, and I have been informed that if it ruptures I might face a similar battle as yours (unfortunately bc of its size and location it is not recommended to remove it right now). Your story and strength is inspiring and gives me hope that whatever comes my way I will be able to get through it and see the other side.
Thank you for sharing that with me. I know living with an AVM can be scary, but you’re stronger than you think, and you’ll find the strength to face whatever comes. I’m rooting for you.
Hi Ele, thank you so much for your kind words! It’s incredible that our journeys started the same year even though each path is different, it feels powerful to know we’re moving toward that same light together.
Wishing you strength and joy as you keep walking forward. You are amazing too!
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. You’re right the recovery isn’t just about us, but also about our loved ones who walk this journey with us.
When I first woke up in the ICU, unable to move or speak, I felt like I had lost the whole world. My parents were the only ones there for me. My dad would try to help me walk down the hospital hallway, and my family sang the ABC Alphabet song with me when I was just starting to make sounds again. They never missed a follow-up appointment and supported me in every part of daily life. I feel so thankful for their love, it felt like God was showing me the light through them. That’s what pushes me to keep trying harder every single day.
My speech is not the same as before, but I know I have room to keep improving as long as I don’t give up. Looking back is very hard because it brings up so many emotions: fear, sadness, anger, powerlessness, but also patience, appreciation, and gratitude. This journey has made my life so different from others, and it’s something no one truly understands until they’ve experienced it.
But writing my story here and sharing with this community helps. Many of us know the struggles and the process, and somehow it feels like this space is our home, where we can encourage one another through the difficult times. I hope we can continue to lift each other up and remind ourselves that we are not alone.
