At the age of five, doctors discovered a rare condition in my body that would alter the course of my toddlerhood.

In March of 2007, I developed a unique facial tick, where I would unknowingly clench my teeth in a vicious grimace. The tick progressed to the extent where my parents became increasingly concerned and took me to the pediatrician in Winston Salem, North Carolina. The original diagnosis did not reveal a serious problem. However, doctors scheduled an MRI out of an abundance of caution.

To the surprise of many, the MRI showed an arteriovenous malformation, otherwise known as an AVM, which is a rare condition where “a group of blood vessels in your body forms incorrectly” (The John Hopkins University, 2021). In my case, the AVM formed dangerously close to my spinal cord. Doctors informed my parents that I needed spinal surgery in the next two weeks, or I would likely suffer a stroke if not die.

My parents rushed me to Boston Children’s Hospital, which served as my birthplace, five years earlier. The hospital was known for having the best surgeons in treating my condition. Thankfully, the surgery went as planned. After a twenty-hour procedure and a two-week stay in the hospital, I was free to go home!

My long road to recovery commenced one that kept me out of organized team sports for the better part of two years. Nevertheless, a distinct scar on the back of my neck, as well as a less severe AVM in my right foot, remind me of how incredibly fortunate I am to be alive.

Oddly enough, doctors have confirmed that the facial tick I exhibited at five years old had no relation to the condition in my spine. A coincidence truly saved my life, and for that, I am forever thankful.