We are AVM survivors, here for your support.

1000 Members Strong...and growing!

AVM Family,

I am so thrilled to report that as of today our "little" support group has reached more than 1000 MEMBERS!!!
What a very exciting milestone this is for all of us. Knowing that we have met such wonderful people and have both recieved and provided such needed support to so many. It is an awesome showing of generosity, friendship, and kindness towards virtual strangers who quickly become trusted confidants.

And what a reminder of how awesome Ben is! Just under two years ago, Ben started this website hoping to connect with and offer a support community for others suffering with AVM's. What a success! I feel confident in speaking for everyone when I say that we are all so very thankful that Ben had this vision and has been able to make this a reality for each of us. Ben you really are our HERO!

When I joined the site in August of 2008, just under a year since creation, the site had been gaining in numbers and I was happily member #298. Since that time, word has been spreading like wildfire about this amazing support group! In just over a years time we have had over 700 members join. We should all be so proud that the reputation of this group, of the support we offer, the community we provide, the range of discussions we have and the warm welcome that we give, continues to draw new membership daily.

I feel so lucky to have found this group and made the connections that I have with so many of you. I'm often astounded by the volume of posts we have and the conversations that flow so freely. There are many groups online which aim to provide what we have here. But I have never found a group of people so warm and willing as I have with all of you. This is a special group and I sincerely hope that we will continue to grow, continue to provide the support that is needed for people suffering with this rare condition, and continue to be the awesome group that we are!

Shalon

Tags: membership

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Alicia on August 17, 2009 at 3:01am

shalon,
isnt this just amazing...what a sucess...and i have to agree with you about Ben being a hero....not only has he created a sucessful support network...but has created a place where many people make lifelong friendships... he is a gift...a true EARTH ANGEL...

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Permalink Reply by Erica on August 17, 2009 at 6:18am

What a big family!!

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Permalink Reply by Trish on August 17, 2009 at 8:35am

I happened to stumble across this website by accident one day shortly after my hospitalization. I couldn't believe there were so many others that shared similar experiences. I am so thankful for this site and all of the people I have connected with. Ben, thank you! It truly is a great place for us AVMers.

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Permalink Reply by pauline horsley on August 17, 2009 at 8:50am

WOW....I think I was #420 something. Amazing first to know there are so meny of us and what great people we all are!!!......1000 OF A KIND. lOVE YA ALL

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Permalink Reply by Andrea Fisher on August 17, 2009 at 11:29am

wow and to think I was only 667th member give or take a few of course. That's just so awesome, to be able to chat with a 1000 people who all know in more than just words how we truly feel.

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Permalink Reply by Charlene on August 17, 2009 at 1:53pm

when you think there is no one out there who will understand, I mean no one, and then you find this sight it is a great comfort to know that someone does know and understands exactly what you're going through. you are not alone!

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Permalink Reply by Pat on August 17, 2009 at 2:14pm

A BIG amen to that and to Ben,your so awesome!!!!!

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Permalink Reply by Jake M on August 18, 2009 at 1:00am

If I remember correctly, there were just over 300 members when I joined, back in January '09, now there are over 1,000? That's incredible! It's unfortunate that there are so many people here as a result of an AVM, but the fact that everyone here now has a chance to meet others in similar situations and get more information is wonderful. Thanks, Ben!

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Permalink Reply by Phyllis M Roach on August 18, 2009 at 7:58am

I agree with you so much. Just being able to vent helps. The way people respond is awesome. Thanks Ben, I don't know what number I am but I am so glad to be in that #.

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Permalink Reply by Ben Munoz on August 18, 2009 at 12:19pm

Thanks so much, everybody, for the nice comments.

The only reason this community has been so successful in helping thousands (literally, now) is because of the members who make it such a warm and supportive place. The outpouring of compassion and kindness for a newly diagnosed AVM patient can only really come from someone who's been there before. It's the reason people feel comfortable enough to join.

Thanks to everyone! Shalon, do we have a prize for member #1000? :)

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Permalink Reply by Shalon on August 18, 2009 at 2:28pm

Actually... I think I just might have a prize for our lucky member #1000!!!!

Everyone be sure to go welcome Tish B and congratulate her on being our milestone :)

Ben Munoz said:

Thanks so much, everybody, for the nice comments.

The only reason this community has been so successful in helping thousands (literally, now) is because of the members who make it such a warm and supportive place. The outpouring of compassion and kindness for a newly diagnosed AVM patient can only really come from someone who's been there before. It's the reason people feel comfortable enough to join.

Thanks to everyone! Shalon, do we have a prize for member #1000? :)

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Permalink Reply by Mariko Nishisaka on August 18, 2009 at 2:31pm

YES, Shalon, we have a great group(a giant family) here!!
Everybody has been helping me tremendously, and that made me stronger than ever :)
Especially I have no relatives near me, so I am so grateful for everyone here to exchange anything more than just AVM's.
Hope us to have more members to make this group even more stronger in the future!
Mariko