Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Paverman
Hi Rachel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Rachel Paverman and I’m from New Jersey. Four and a half years ago when I was 25, a cavernous malformation was discovered on my brainstem. Prior to this, I was living a completely normal life. I had one brain surgery in September of 2019 and suffered a few additional bleeds, which are considered strokes. I then underwent a second surgery in early December, and a third surgery in late December of 2019 which my surgeon called the “Hail Mary” to save my life. Prior to the third surgery, I was unable to talk, hear, see, or sit up on my own. The third surgery removed the rest of the cavernoma and the most severe of the symptoms, but I was left with many deficits. I was released from the hospital in February of 2020 and in March of 2020, the COVID pandemic struck the country which impacted my ability to access rehab and get the outpatient medical care that I required. I started to do a lot of physical therapy at home and started documenting the memories that I had of my surgeries. I also started journaling what life was like for me. About a year later I published this all in a memoir titled To the Abyss. Four and a half years later, I am an advocate for finding a cure for cavernous malformation, the condition that changed my life forever. I volunteer and work closely with an organization called Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation. Their goal is to raise awareness and find a cure, but they also have so much information and so many resources such as support groups that mean the world to the community. I’m also working with Ovid Therapeutics who is currently researching possible treatments for cavernous malformation since surgery is currently the only treatment option.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have definitely faced challenges in my journey so far. Recovery is an ongoing process, filled with both struggles and victories. I think the biggest struggle for me has been coming to terms with losing my sense of independence and how the “old me” lived my life. Learning to live everyday in my new body can also be a challenge, but staying positive, motivated, and being able to connect with others is what continues to drive my recovery.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an author and an advocate for cavernous malformation patients. My goal is to spread awareness and inspire others. I am proud of my positivity and determination to stay on track with my recovery and not give up.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I lived in a suburban New Jersey town with my parents and older sister. I was an athlete and very active throughout high school. I had a wild streak and gave my parents a run for their money. I graduated from Montclair State University in 2016 with a degree in sports events and tourism marketing. I worked in the sports industry then transitioned to pharmaceutical event planning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.rachelpaverman.com
- Instagram: @Recoverwithrach
- Facebook: To The Abyss by Rachel Paverman
- Other: https://a.co/d/652O5FU
