S3E4: Surviving AVM with MHP’s #1 Intern, Andrew Penarubia!

Did you know, 10% of people in the US under the age of 45 experience having a stroke? In this episode, Alison and Eryn interview of childhood survivor of AVM rupture, Andrew Penarubia. Andrew is the one and only intern for Making Headway Podcast. His claim to fame didn’t start there though. Since being left with only one fully functioning hand he has taught himself how to game, play instruments, and sink threes on the court.  Being such a young survivor, Andrew grew up with different abilities; many saw his strengths but some chose to bully his weaknesses. He speaks to the challenges of growing up different while providing light and hope.  Stay tuned until the end as he showcases his one-handed ukulele skills, doing the first live musical performance MHP has ever had. Keywords AVM, survivor, intern, gaming, physical disabilities, hospital, support, school, brain injury, stroke, recovery, walking, disability, social life, bullies, music, faith, inspiration TakeawaysAndrew Penrubia is a survivor of AVM and shares his story of recoveryDespite physical disabilities, Andrew has learned to do things with one hand, including gaming and playing musical instrumentsAndrew received a lot of support from family, friends, and even strangers during his hospitalizationHe returned to school after a few months and continued his education Living with a brain injury requires resilience and determination to overcome challenges.Support from friends and family is crucial in the recovery process.Finding joy and pursuing passions can help in coping with a disability.Music and faith can provide solace and inspiration in difficult times. Sound Bites"Oh hi everyone. I'm Andrew, the 21 year survivor for this AVM.""Yes, yes, yes, Super Nintendo, yes, yes. Yeah, we can get along. We're gonna get along.""His blood pressure is over 200 and then we can't see anything due to all the bleeding in his brain. So all we can do is put him in a respirator to die slowly and make sure you make your peace with him right now and we're going to make it comfortable for him.""So you went home walking, kinda sorta.""Hey, you know, that show Walking Dead, I started that.""You are the original zombie." Chapters00:00Introduction and Andrew's Background01:36Surviving AVM and Gaming with One Hand07:19The Power of Support and Prayer12:06Hospital Experience and Rehabilitation17:25Returning to School and Overcoming Challenges19:19The Shock of the Stroke and the Road to Recovery20:11Dealing with Bullies and Finding Support23:14Gaining Movement and Discovering Passions26:18Music and Faith: Sources of Inspiration32:07Andrew's Musical Talent: Playing with One HandReach out to:Andrew on IG @just4ukeAndrew on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/@LeftOutieEryn on IG @eryn_makingheadwaypodcastAlison on IG @alison_maknigheadwayodcastMHP on IG @makingheadwaypodcast Go to our website www.makingheadwaypodcast.com for full show...