WHEREAS, an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare, abnormal tangle of arteries and veins that bypasses normal brain tissue and diverts blood directly from the arteries to the veins, potentially resulting in devastating ruptures, seizures, or death; and

WHEREAS, AVMs are typically congenital, meaning they are present at birth, though they are not usually inherited; and

WHEREAS, an estimated 18 in 100,000 people in the United States have a brain AVM, many of whom may remain undiagnosed until symptoms appear; and

WHEREAS, symptoms of an AVM can include severe headaches, seizures, or neurological problems, though for many individuals the first sign is a sudden and life-threatening hemorrhage; and

WHEREAS, about 50 percent of AVM patients first present with hemorrhage, or bleeding in the brain, which is a type of stroke; and

WHEREAS, after an AVM ruptures, there is a 10 to 15 percent risk of death and a 20 to 30 percent chance of permanent brain damage with each subsequent bleed; and

WHEREAS, approximately 10 to 58 percent of AVM patients also develop aneurysms, which are weak spots in blood vessels at risk of rupture, resulting in brain damage or long-term disability; and

WHEREAS, AVMs are most often diagnosed in people between the ages of 10 and 40, underscoring the urgent need for awareness among younger populations; and

WHEREAS, treatment may include surgery, radiotherapy, or embolization, but there is currently no universal cure, and more research is needed to discover the causes, improve treatment options, and ultimately find a cure; and

WHEREAS, access to accurate information, expert medical care, and supportive communities can make a critical difference in minimizing risks and improving quality of life; and

WHEREAS, increased public awareness of AVM is essential so that individuals are better able to recognize symptoms, seek treatment, and understand available resources and options;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize October 2025, as AVM AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.