Governor Reeves Declares October AVM Awareness Month in MS

It’s not every day you wake up and get ready to see the leader of your state. This morning is different. There’s an excitement in the air and a hurried rush to get out the door. To be honest, I think I just checked my things a good five times before confirming that I do, in fact, have everything I need before taking off.

If you had asked me a year ago if I believed I would have the opportunity to be the driving force behind making a month in my home state about the disease that lives in my mind every day, I never would have ventured the possibility. But here we are, what now had become a family affair, the whole Preston Strong crew en route to Mississippi’s Capitol. Because that’s who lived it. My mom, dad, me, and most certainly Preston, our AVM survivor. As we were changed forever by the term “AVM” in 2018. And now, just four years later, AVM was going to have statewide recognition.

Upon arriving, butterflies began to build in anticipation as we made our way up to the 18th floor of the Sillers Building. The inside was bigger than I expected. The walls were dark marble, and the entire ambiance provided an aesthetic of grandeur. If you didn’t know you were at the capitol, the inside of this building most assuredly gave it away.

Exiting the elevator and making our way to the area we were clearly intended to wait, I could just catch a glimpse of the press room. It was relatively large, and the photographer was busy snapping pictures of what I could only assume was the group before me. Not wanting to draw any attention to myself, I remained and didn’t attempt to go closer to see more until it was our turn.

And then it was. The door opened, filtering out the large group that had finished and a member of the Governor’s staff I had been conversing with in the week prior invited me in. Here we go. With my family right behind me, we entered, and it soon became apparent that it was my show to lead in terms of introductions. The signing desk caught my eye first as it was not only large and grand, but there stood Governor Reeves. With the state seal of Mississippi placed high in the backdrop, centered by the U.S. flag and Mississippi’s flag, everything became so real in a matter of seconds.

As I began to approach Governor Reeves, he made his way from behind the press desk, where he would soon sign my proclamation. I introduced myself and thanked him for the time he was giving us and the attention to this important matter as I shook his hand. He introduced himself simply as, “Tate.”

At the press desk, I stood next to him as he read over the proclamation and then signed it. It was official. Turning to me, Governor Reeves held up the pen he had just used and said it was for me to keep. I replied something to the point of “Really? Thank you,” to which he and my family gave a few chuckles to. To be honest, I don’t know what I said.

Governor Reeves invited me to have pictures in front of the state seal, where my family joined us. With everything completed, the floor opened, and I formally introduced Preston of Preston Strong to the Governor. I was privileged to share the story behind Preston Strong with a few facts about AVMs and the importance of awareness, as today’s event would have a great impact in furthering.

Speaking from experience, during the worst moments of your life, it is difficult to think about how any good can come from it. Whether that’s good for you or for others. I will never forget sitting in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, LA trying to comprehend Preston's slurred speech as a result of a stroke he suffered. Sitting there, watching him and wishing with every part of me that I could take this nightmare away from him but knowing for certain, deep down that something good would have to come from this. Something. I just couldn't see it yet.

One thing is for certain, what always ate at me during Preston’s journey was that I had never heard of an AVM before hearing it from his doctor’s lips. That feeling never faded, and after Preston’s last surgery, I knew that I would find a way to do what I could for awareness in hopes that another family wouldn’t endure what mine had.

Serving as an Ambassador to The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation (TAAF) this year, one thing I have learned for certain is that community matters. For a disease as rare as an AVM, is it is comforting to know, meet, and gain friendship with others in the same community. With others who have fought the same battle. This is one such community TAAF has built well and continues to grow. Though I’m not the one who battled the AVM, collaborating with other TAAF Ambassadors of all ages, who are like my brother, and the AVM warriors and survivors through the foundation has made me feel like less of an anomaly because of Preston’s AVM.

Today I proudly represented TAAF at Mississippi’s Capitol as I met Governor Reeves and witnessed him sign the proclamation that made October AVM Awareness Month in the state where we discovered Preston’s AVM.

So, to the person who is actively living their worst moments, hold tight. Give everything to the Lord, and He will make your paths straight. Though you may not be able to see it now, purpose can come from pain.

“He said He had to take me into the wilderness of hurt and pain like Moses so I could be a better servant. He creates purpose from pain”