05/25/2026
Hello everyone,
I wanted to update you all on my daughter Neela’s progress.
Back in March, Neela had a seizure. After a series of neurology appointments, scans, and tests, the doctors diagnosed her with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) on the right side of her brain. The doctors gave us two choices: we could leave it alone and risk it rupturing later in life and causing a stroke, both of which could have been catastrophic, or we could choose to have the AVM removed.
After discussing everything with Neela and our family, we chose surgery.
This past Monday, 5/18, Neela underwent what is called an embolization procedure. Doctors inserted glue into the veins feeding the AVM in hopes of cutting off its blood supply. The procedure was successful, but it left Neela very exhausted and weak.
The following day, she underwent a craniotomy to completely remove the AVM. The surgery lasted about 8 hours. The doctor explained that he took his time in order to avoid causing damage to the healthier parts of her brain. He also informed us that the area where the AVM was located controls both the major and minor motor skills on the left side of her body.
Neela remained in the PICU until Friday evening and was then transferred to the regular pediatric floor. Doctors are hopeful that she will regain some function as the swelling in her brain and surrounding tissue begins to subside. It may still be a few weeks before we see improvement.
Neela has already fought such a hard battle. She did need a blood transfusion due to low hemoglobin, but it helps that she is such a strong-willed 16-year-old. There have been some highs and many lows, but we thank God every day that she made it through such a risky surgery.
Right now, Neela is unable to use her left arm or leg, but the doctors are hopeful they can get her admitted to inpatient physical therapy at Sanford in Sioux Falls later this coming week.
At the moment, I’m not sure what the future looks like, but as a family, we are taking it hour by hour and day by day for Neela. We will continue to praise the Lord for the miracles and trust Him even in the scary moments.
Thank you all so much for the text messages, phone calls, meals, monetary donations for Neela’s medical benefit, to our church family and most importantly, your prayers.
