Living With An AVM Retreats

Connection. Community. Healing. Hope.

Alive on Purpose

A retreat created for young adults ages 18–36 who have been diagnosed with an AVM or experienced a hemorrhagic stroke.

A place to connect with people who understand, experience something new, and remember that there is still so much life ahead.

You Shouldn't Have to Feel Alone in This

Being diagnosed with an AVM at a young age can change everything. Suddenly, life can become about appointments, procedures, scans, therapy, recovery, and questions about a future you thought you already had figured out.

And one of the hardest parts can be feeling like no one your age truly understands. Living With An AVM Retreats are being created to change that.

These retreats will bring young adults together for several days of connection, friendship, healing, new experiences, and fun, in a place where you don't have to explain why your life looks different.

You can simply be around people who get it.

Why I Created These Retreats

When I was 18, I was diagnosed with an AVM deep in my thalamus, along with three brain aneurysms. Because of its location, there was very little that could safely be done at the time.

Four years later, at 22, I suffered a hemorrhagic stroke.

My entire life changed.

Before my stroke, I planned to go to law school. Afterward, my days became physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, doctors, procedures, and learning how to navigate a body and life that suddenly felt completely different.

But one of the things I wasn't prepared for was how lonely recovery could feel, especially when you're young.

That's why I created Living With An AVM, and it's why creating these retreats means so much to me.

I want to create the experience I wish I had: a place where you can meet other young adults who understand the fear, frustration, uncertainty, recovery, and everything else that can come with an AVM or hemorrhagic stroke.

— Morgan, Founder of Living With An AVM

More Than a Retreat

This isn't meant to feel like another hospital, therapy appointment, or medical program. It's about living.

It's about getting away for a few days, meeting people who understand your story, trying something you may have never done before, laughing, making memories, and realizing how much is still possible.

Retreat experiences may include:

🎨 Painting & Art • A chance to create without worrying about being perfect.

🏺 Ceramics • Trying something hands-on, creative, and completely different.

🐴 Equine Experiences • Connecting with horses in a peaceful and supportive environment.

💆 Massage & Wellness • Time to relax, reset, and care for yourself.

🌿 Nature & Sedona Experiences • Getting outside and experiencing the beauty and peacefulness of Sedona.

❤️ Real Conversations • Time to talk about the things other people may not always understand.

🤝 Connection & Friendship • Because sometimes the most meaningful part isn't the activity, it's who is sitting beside you.

Who Can Attend?

Living With An AVM Retreats are designed for young adults ages 18–36 who have been diagnosed with an AVM or have experienced a hemorrhagic stroke.

You may be:

Currently living with an AVM
Going through AVM treatment
Living with a treated AVM
Recovering after an AVM rupture or hemorrhage
Living with the effects of a hemorrhagic stroke

You do not have to be at a certain point in recovery. Everyone's experience looks different.

Our goal is to create a retreat where different abilities, communication styles, and recovery journeys are welcomed and supported.

Why Sedona?

Sedona has always been incredibly special to me.

It's a place that has been part of my life for years, and after my stroke, it became part of my recovery too. There is something about being surrounded by the red rocks, nature, quiet, and beauty that makes you slow down and see things differently.

When I imagined the first Living With An AVM Retreat, I couldn't imagine it happening anywhere else.

Our first retreat is being planned for Sedona, Arizona in Fall 2027.

The First Living With An AVM Retreat

Sedona, Arizona | Fall 2027

4 Days • 3 Nights • Approximately 8–10 Participants

The first retreat will intentionally be small.

I don't want this to feel like a conference where you meet 100 people and barely remember anyone's name. I want everyone to have the opportunity to actually connect.

To leave Sedona with phone numbers in their contacts, new group chats, inside jokes, memories, and friendships with people they may have never met otherwise.

Interested in Attending?

Right now, we're building our Living With An AVM Retreat Interest List so we can learn more about the young adults who would like to attend and keep you updated as plans come together.

The interest form asks about your story, what you'd hope to gain from a retreat, accessibility needs, travel, and potential scholarship needs.

Submitting the interest form does not guarantee a spot at a future retreat.