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Malori MaddoxAmerican student with arteriovenous malformation
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Malori Maddox: A Remarkable Journey of Resilience
- A Life-Saving Surgery
- Progress and Challenges
- A Strong Support System
- Memory and Speech Recovery
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
- The Road Ahead
- Crowdfunding for Medical Expenses
Malori Maddox: A Remarkable Journey of Resilience
Malori Maddox, a 20-year-old sophomore at Lubbock Christian University, collapsed during a volleyball game on November 10, 2015, with a brain bleed that nearly killed her. The Texas resident was rushed to a small hospital in Wichita Falls complaining of severe headaches and blurred vision, where she was diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) - an abnormal connection between the veins and arteries in her brain.
A Life-Saving Surgery
An emergency surgery was performed by a surgeon who had recently been researching AVM symptoms, who 'unraveled' the tangle of abnormal blood vessels connected to her brain's arteries. Maddox is now making remarkable strides in her recovery at the intensive care unit of the Zale Lipshy University Hospital in Dallas. On November 19, she was able to eat for the first time without assistance.
Progress and Challenges
Maddox's family has been sharing her recovery progress on a Facebook page called 'Pray for Malori.' She has faced significant cognitive challenges but is undergoing extensive physical therapy to regain basic motor skills and walk again. The student will undergo two additional surgeries scheduled for January 5 and 6, 2016, which are expected to completely address the AVM. She is then expected to be discharged from the hospital.
A Strong Support System
Volleyball teammates, friends, and boyfriend Tyler Rogers, a basketball player for LCU, have visited the volleyball star. In a show of support, Rogers wore Maddox's volleyball jersey number in a recent basketball game. Maddox's mother, Sarah, posted a heartwarming photo of Tyler and her daughter sleeping together in the hospital and holding hands.
Memory and Speech Recovery
According to the 'Pray for Malori' page, Maddox's speech and memory are improving each day, although she occasionally struggles to recall her name, colors, and objects.
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
AVM, which affects less than 1% of the population, disrupts blood flow from the heart to the brain through the arteries. It typically occurs in the central nervous system but can appear anywhere in the body. Its exact cause is unknown, but research suggests it develops during embryonic development.
The Road Ahead
Without the emergency surgery in Wichita Falls, Maddox would not have survived. Her family is hopeful that the upcoming surgeries will facilitate her recovery. Dubbed the 'Miracle Malori' by her doctors, she continues to amaze with her progress.
Crowdfunding for Medical Expenses
The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover Malori's medical bills. The page has already raised over $16,000 towards her 2016 surgeries.
