No one expects a medical crisis. Yet, the unexpected happened a few days after Christmas 2009, when Alexis woke up screaming with an excruciating headache. “She just passed out in my arms,” her mom, Kathryn tearfully recalls, “The light just went out of her eyes.” In little over an hour Alexis was in surgery at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. She had a cerebral hemorrhage on the left side of her brain. Diagnosed with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), there were no guarantees that Alexis would wake up from the coma or retain her motor skills if she did wake up. Every day there were obstacles to overcome. Miraculously after three surgeries, Alexis did wake up and gained full mobility. Today she is a normal, healthy thirteen year old girl who loves horses, reading, camping and swimming. Her mom, Kathryn is so grateful. Her daughter’s life was saved by the quick response and expertise of the hospital’s doctors, nurses and everyone who supports them. “The care was sincere—earnest. You just know everyone is here for a reason. They are passionate about what they do.” < Back