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

 Takeaways

• Andrew Penrubia is a survivor of AVM and shares his story of recovery
• Despite physical disabilities, Andrew has learned to do things with one hand, including gaming and playing musical instruments
• Andrew received a lot of support from family, friends, and even strangers during his hospitalization
• He 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."

 Chapters

00:00Introduction and Andrew's Background

01:36Surviving AVM and Gaming with One Hand

07:19The Power of Support and Prayer

12:06Hospital Experience and Rehabilitation

17:25Returning to School and Overcoming Challenges

19:19The Shock of the Stroke and the Road to Recovery

20:11Dealing with Bullies and Finding Support

23:14Gaining Movement and Discovering Passions

26:18Music and Faith: Sources of Inspiration

32:07Andrew's Musical Talent: Playing with One Hand

Reach out to:

Andrew on IG @just4uke

Andrew on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/@LeftOutie

Eryn on IG @eryn_makingheadwaypodcast

Alison on IG @alison_maknigheadwayodcast

MHP on IG @makingheadwaypodcast 

Go to our website www.makingheadwaypodcast.com for full show notes and resources