Editor in Chief
Dina Chon
Community Engagement Manager of The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation
After losing her mother to a burst aneurysm on Christmas Day when she was 16, Dina has tried to honor that legacy of love in all of her work but especially within the greater aneurysm and AVM community.
“Service is healing”
Managing Editor
Morgan Bailey
TAAF Volunteer
This time last year, in May 2021, I was at Verde Valley School’s graduation when everything went black. My 3 brain aneurysms had decided to burst. I have an Arteriovenous Malformation. I had a craniotomy (brain surgery) in June, and gamma knife in August, which is radiosurgery that we’re hoping will get rid of all of this. I am so grateful to be here!
“Kindness always comes back”
Site Manager
Nancy Nauman
TAAF Youth Ambassador Mentor, and TAAF Volunteer
Nancy is a mom to William, her AVM Angel, who passed away in 2017 from a rupture during surgery. His life and death has brought her to TAAF which has given her purpose to her grief and built a legacy for her son. She is a busy educator and mother to a toddler, but finds time to continue William’s legacy by working with TAAF.
“Be Brave, Little One”
Art Director
Jennifer Vallina
TAAF Volunteer
Named “best for outdoor family photography in DC” and is the proud owner of a brainstem AVM that was treated by CyberKnife in the summer of 2018. Her art is available for purchase and she is willing to travel.
Jennifer Vallina of One Sock On Photography is an experienced artist specializing in on-location headshots, family portraits and special events. She has an eye not only for detail, but for capturing the unique, often overlooked moments that create memories.
“If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it.”
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Features
Vanessa Garza
In the summer of 2017, at the age of 37, Vanessa elected to have aggressive treatment, including four brain surgeries to remove her unruptured and asymptomatic AVM, which doctors incidentally discovered during a routine health exam. Vanessa is now AVM-free and mostly recovered from her surgeries. She is motivated to fully heal, recover, write, and advocate for AVM awareness.
#LifeisHard #SoBlessed #SunshineonaBrainyDay
AVM
Trish Speake
Trish suffered an AVM rupture in 2008. She was unaware that she had an AVM. She has been volunteering and offering support in various AVM/aneurysm support groups for over 11 years.
“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds.” – Bob Marley
AVM
Josh Nauman
In the winter of 2017, Josh became a first time dad. Little did he know he would soon have an angel instead. Josh is a behind the scenes type of guy, but uses his abilities to support TAAF and build a legacy for his son. When he is not working or volunteering, he is a fun dad to his toddler, Logan in California.
“I don’t have a favorite quote” – Josh Nauman
CONTRIBUTORS
Deb Toy Benzel
AVM Survivor
On the last day of a family vacation in the Adirondack Mountains 10 years ago, Deb survived an AVM rupture that turned her into the Wonder Woman she is today, not perfect nor Mother Teresa, but wonderful all the same
“Having a bad day? Stop. Take a breath. Put your hand on your heart. Feel that? It’s called purpose.”
TAAF Youth Ambassadors
TAAF4Kids
To learn more about our TAAF Youth Ambassadors or how to apply, go to the
TAAF Youth Ambassadors Website
Beth Losk
Aneurysm Survivor
Beth is a retired long time special educator. She lives with her beloved husband, Rick, and two cats outside Boston. Beth experienced a ruptured brain aneurysm in 2016 and has found the journey of recovery to be the most profound of her life. Every day brings some new awareness or insight, and she is proud to be a survivor and to support others on their paths.
“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. The essential is invisible to the eye.”
SCIENCE CONSULTANTS
Dan Cooke, MD
Associate Professor in Residence UCSF Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging Chief, Neurointerventional Radiology Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center
“As a member of UCSF and TAAF, I am working to improve the lives of patients and their families using advanced molecular biology, imaging, and robotic technologies to prevent and limit the effects of strokes in all its forms.”
Jay Dolia, MD
Clinical Instructor Vascular Neurology Junior Neuroendovascular Surgery Fellow University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Stroke Institute
“Each patient is a unique human being, not a disease or a group of symptoms.”
