13-year-old Kendall is a cheerful young girl with a positive attitude who loves animals. But just three years ago she had a stroke at age 10. She’s a survivor. A rare and very large arteriovenus malformation (AVM), a vascular defect that forms a tangled cluster of blood vessels, ruptured in her brain. Fortunately, Kendall received quick medical attention and, following a series of exams and procedures, she recovered and was back home after nearly two weeks in the hospital.
Kendall and Winter’s Never-Give-Up Spirit
Three years later, Kendall visited Clearwater Marine Aquarium with her family and had the chance to meet Winter and Hope. It was a special moment for her to connect with animals that have inspired so many people to never give up and stay positive. Winter the dolphin’s drive to survive reminds Kendall that she can make it through her condition, too. “If Winter can, I can” is the saying at CMA. Kendall has her own inspiring slogan: “Don’t bring down my positive.”
Just like Winter’s story of survival continues every day with physical therapy, Kendall’s battle against her AVM continued after she left the hospital. She also went through physical therapy and grew stronger, but there still remains s small chance that she’ll have a stroke again. After researching her rare condition and consulting with specialists about her options, they decided to use radiosurgery, a very precise beam of radiation to eliminate the AVM cluster. So far, it’s been working and reduced the size of the tangled web in her head. It will be a few more years before they can be sure it’s completely gone. The treatment has caused some expected side effect for Kendall, but the family believes it’s all worth it to reduce the risk of another rupture, and they hope she will be able to live a normal and healthy life one day.
Giving Back and Inspiring Others
Through all her challenges, Kendall wondered about other kids with her condition and how she could help them. Soon after Kendall’s family discovered she had an AVM, they formed a nonprofit called Kendall’s Crusade to help raise awareness and funds for AVM patients. So far, they’ve been able to raise over $200,000 to help other families and individuals and provided funding for AVM research.
During her interaction with the dolphins at CMA, Kendall was filled with bright smiles and joy. She is that same shining light for many other AVM survivors and an inspiration to us all.