TAAF Brain Buddy Team
Anna Blythe
Why did you choose to be a TAAF Brain Buddy, and what do you love about being part of the TAAF family?
After an extensive search in the UK, I struggled to find a community that truly understood the challenges of raising a child with an AVM. I knew there was a need for a space where families like mine could connect, share experiences, and find support. That’s when I reached out to TAAF, asking for help in building something meaningful. With their guidance and support, AVM & Aneurysm Connections UK was created as part of TAAF’s support group network—serving families across the UK, Europe, and beyond. Being part of TAAF is about creating a space where no one has to face these challenges alone. It's a community that offers connection, hope, and real understanding for those affected by AVMs and aneurysms.
Tell us something that helps us get to know you better.
I’m a mother to my daughter, Izzie, who was diagnosed with an AVM at a young age. Navigating that diagnosis, treatment, and recovery has been a journey that has shaped our family. Outside of my work with TAAF, I love watching my kids grow and getting involved in their activities. I’m passionate about rugby, enjoy the sense of community at my local pub, love reading, and always appreciate a good snarky meme to lighten the mood!
What is a quote that means something to you?
"The way you speak to yourself matters."
—This is a powerful reminder to show kindness and compassion to myself through every challenge. The way we talk to ourselves plays a huge role in how we handle adversity and find strength in tough times.
Julie Fisher
Coming soon: one lovely photo and an awesome bio, too.
Angie Flynn-Wright
Why did you choose to be a TAAF Brain Buddy, and what do you love about being part of the TAAF family?
Hello! I’m Angie — originally from Scotland, now happily rooted in San Francisco with my lovely husband David and a grateful stroke survivor and warrior.
In January 2022, everything changed in an instant: a brain hemorrhage caused by an AVM, followed by a craniotomy. I used to lead global teams in tech; now I lead with heart in the stroke survivor community.
Recovery has been the most humbling and transformative journey of my life — one that’s challenged me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I live with ongoing effects like balance issues, double vision, and neuro fatigue, but I also live with renewed purpose, creativity, and deep connection.
I became a Brain Buddy because I know how much it matters to feel seen and supported. TAAF welcomed me like family — a warm, wise, and fiercely kind community — and I’m honored to help carry that light forward. Whether it’s a conversation, a shared laugh, or a simple moment of connection, I’m here to walk beside you.
Tell us something that helps us get to know you better.
Art has been one of my greatest healing companions. I found my way back to painting during recovery — working with watercolors, acrylics, inks, and whatever else speaks to the moment. Creating art gives me a quiet kind of joy I love to share with others. It’s expressive, liberating, and a meaningful way I stay connected to myself and others.
What is a quote that means something to you?
“We’re all just walking each other home.”
—Ram Dass
"Some of us wander, wobble, or roll our way there — with detours, pit stops, and a few unexpected plot twists — but always with love, and never alone."
Steven "Steve" Hartler
Why did you choose to be a TAAF Brain Buddy, and what do you love about being part of the TAAF family?
I chose to be a TAAF Brain Buddy because I know firsthand how isolating an AVM diagnosis can feel—and I also know how life-changing it is to find others who truly get it. TAAF was there for me when I needed support, and now I want to pay that forward. Being part of the TAAF family means being part of a community that lifts each other up through the hardest and most hopeful moments.
Tell us something that helps us get to know you better.
I’m originally from the East Coast, but after the AVM that changed my life in 2009, I eventually followed my heart—and my camera—to Gold Hill, Oregon. Now I spend my time surrounded by stunning landscapes, capturing them through photography and designing calendars to share the beauty I see each day.
What is a quote that means something to you?
“Never, ever lose hope.”
Suzanne Morrell
Why did you choose to be a TAAF Brain Buddy, and what do you love about being part of the TAAF family?
As a Brain Buddy, I can offer insight to others who may be navigating the life changing chapter after AVM becomes a part of one’s new identity. Belonging to the TAAF family allows me to experience this strange and scary diagnosis with others who are going through the same thing in real time.
Tell us something that helps us get to know you better.
I'm passionate about growing stuff. I love getting my hands in the soil and watching nature do its thing. Last year, I added a pomegranate tree and olive tree to my expanding orchard.
What is a quote that means something to you?
"Where you have a why, you can find a way."
Vincent "Vinny" Zelinsky
Coming soon: one awesome bio.
Stephany Zumerling
Coming soon: one awesome bio.
Stephanie Swanson
Why did you choose to be a TAAF Brain Buddy, and what do you love about being part of the TAAF family?
I became a TAAF Brain Buddy because no one should feel alone after a diagnosis like this. After surviving a ruptured brain aneurysm, I knew how important it was to connect with others who understand—not just the medical side, but the emotional side too. TAAF helped me find community, purpose, and a way to give back. I’ve made some of my closest friends here, and being part of the TAAF family means supporting each other through everything—tears, laughter, recovery, and advocacy.
Tell us something that helps us get to know you better.
I grew up in Wisconsin and was treated at Froedtert Hospital after my aneurysm rupture. One of the most meaningful outcomes of my experience is that it led to early diagnosis and treatment for both of my sisters, who were also found to have aneurysms. These days, I spend a lot of time writing, speaking, and volunteering to raise awareness about brain aneurysms and AVMs—and doing anything I can to help others feel seen and supported.
What is a quote that means something to you?
"Connection is why we're here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives."
—Brené Brown
Tawnie the Neuro Mermaid
Why did you choose to be a TAAF Brain Buddy, and what do you love about being part of the TAAF family?
I chose to be a TAAF Brain Buddy so that no one would feel as isolated and confused as I was! I can’t stop the situations from happening, and yes, the journey is just for us to go through—but I know firsthand the difference between my first surgery and my second, and what it's like to have support and resources. I love that I am able to turn all the pain and hurt I went through into something that helps brighten someone’s journey. Plus, it’s truly so beautiful how healing it is for BOTH survivors. With TAAF, we heal each other.
Tell us something that helps us get to know you better.
I am from Southern California, but I was born in Colorado. I love the water (ocean or lakes) and swimming as a mermaid almost as much as I love rescuing pets. We have two dogs, two cats, two tortoises, one chicken, saltwater fish, snakes—and yes, even tarantulas.
What is a quote that means something to you?
"Just keep swimming."
— Dory, Finding Nemo (2003), voiced by Ellen DeGeneres.
John Morse
Coming soon: one awesome bio.
Nick Roby
Coming soon: one awesome bio.
Mark Heaton
Why did you choose to be a TAAF Brain Buddy, and what do you love about being part of the TAAF family?
I became a brain buddy because I know first hand how meaningful it is to have someone to talk to when going through life's challenges. Especially someone who's been through similar challenges. TAAF has been that for me. Offering support, a shoulder to lean on, and insights into the very complicated world of AVMs. I'll be forever grateful and love the thought of paying that forward.
Tell us something that helps us get to know you better.
Juan and I split our time between San Francisco, our home, and our home in Salt Lake City, where Juan has amazing out patience care and we have access to the University of Utah's Neuro Rehab hospital and clinics. We consider ourselves very lucky to have access to amazing programs like Trails which offers adaptive sports which we very much enjoy taking advantage of.
What is a quote that means something to you?
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."
—Lao Tzu
