Abby Skluzacek Stroke Survivor At 22

Abby is a 22 year old Pine City Resident. She is a full time college student, who has been pursuing her education to one day become a Veterinary Technician. Anyone that knows Abby knows this choice is perfect for her as her love for animals and her big heart make her an amazing choice for such a career. Along with being a full time college student, Abby also worked at Chris’s Foods in Pine City. On January 18th, 2020 Abby had a blood clot that hemorrhaged. Due to the hemorrhage this caused her to have a stroke.. at only 22 years old. Abby underwent a surgery to have the blood clot removed. This surgery was successful, however there still was the AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation). What exactly is a AVM you may be wondering. An AVM is an “abnormal connection between arteries and veins usually in the brain or spine. A Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) is usually present at birth. It is actually very rare with fewer then 200,000 US cases per year.” The arteries and veins in a AVM can rupture causing bleeding into the brain & spinal cord. Basically it is a tangle of blood vessels that affect the flow of blood and oxygen. For Abby the Brain AVM will still need to be removed. Which means another surgery or else radiation treatments. As a result of the stroke, Abby has lost her balance on her right side, this has weakened her right arm, wrist and hand and now has to use a walker to help her get around safely. Also from all of this, Abby’s eyesight was affected. Abby has blurred vision as well as seeing double. She has been receiving Physical and Occupational Therapy along with Visual Treatments. Due to these unexpected events in Abby’s life it has made things that she enjoys the most quite difficult. Some of these in which are dancing and playing guitar to being able to take care of her dogs. With all of this, some of Abby’s therapy treatments are not covered by her insurance. Abby’s Visual Therapy is once a week in St. Joseph MN. These visual appointments will go into the month of August, then she will be re-evaluated. The surgery Abby may be getting to remove the AVM could possibly trigger again all of her symptoms. A fund is also in the works of being setup by family at Frandsen Bank in Pine City MN. As expenses that aren’t covered by insurance have exceeded $50,000. As a full time college student and young adult, unexpected expenses like this can cause an overwhelming amount of stress. Any bit you are able to donate will help to alleviate the burden of these medical bills on Abby. Molly Ouverson is one of Abby Skluzacek’s friends and is the organizer of this campaign. Abby Skluzacek is the beneficiary of this campaign. Funds raised with this campaign will go towards any medical expenses and travel expenses for Abby.