EXCLUSIVE: Little Demiah O. O'Neal's mother speaks
Beckie Felicien, Demiah’s mother, chose to speak exclusively with Virgin Islands News Online about the passing of her daughter. Prior to the funeral she had indicated that she would have spoken at a time when she felt comfortable to do and has honoured that promise yesterday March 4, 2014.
She made it emphatically clear that at no time did her daughter complained of any severe headache and that according to autopsy report Demiah died of a ruptured arteriovenous malformation, a condition called AMV.
“This is something that I learn to be rare; I don’t know of its prevalence in the BVI but I would love to share my new found knowledge with everyone because I think it will be useful information,” said the still hurting mother.
As it was very emotional to tell Demiah’s story in the form of an interview, Ms Beckie Felicien chose to write the story which she requested be shared verbatim and is as printed below.
Demiah’s Story – Beckie Felicien
“I would first like thank my community and the entire BVI for their unending support through this difficult time. Therefore, it is with great pain that I sit and write this, however, I am compelled to bring awareness to the cause of her untimely passing.
My princess was a vibrant and intelligent young lady, who consistently achieved high accolades in her academic quest. For those of you who attended her “graduation service”, I’m sure you walked away knowing that her life was full of love and excitement as she had sooooo much ahead of her. Prior to January 30, 2014, Demiah NEVER complained of severe headaches or any illness that resulted in her being hospitalized. In actuality her dentist saw her more than the doctor; she rarely was down with the cold/flu and as such the events of this day were not expected.
The autopsy revealed that Demiah died as a result of a ruptured arteriovenous malformation. I’ve researched relentlessly for information on this, as it is rare for us but so common in the US. AVM as it is known is congenital (at birth), arises during the developmental stages of the fetus and is not hereditary. In short, she developed with the absence of capillaries between the arteries and veins. The cause of AVM is currently unknown and although present at birth, symptoms can occur at any time. AVM arises in the brain, lungs, spine and skin. Brain AVMs are the most common.
As in the case of Demiah, there may be many others who have AVM without symptoms, hence, my reason for bringing awareness. Based on my research, AVM’s can be detected with CT Scan, MRI and Angiogram.
I am hereby appealing to all, especially parents, to take the initiative and get scanned! Although costly, it can never come close to the pain of losing a love one. My aim at this time is to bring as much awareness about AVM and Aneurysms to the BVI, in hopes of preventing a next family from such a sudden and tragic loss…. If this can save at least one person, I’ve accomplished my goal. I’ve submitted an application to create a foundation in her name with hopes of educating and implementing measures for the BVI to be equipped to deal with neurological conditions of this nature. Note websites/Facebook information on AVM.
Based on statistics 1 in every 100-200 people might have an AVM in the brain.
Websites:www.taafonline.org/am_about.html, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001783/ www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/avms/avms.htm, facebook, AVM Awareness project
I share this with you with hope that you will take action - hear my cry BVI - it’s not easy losing a loved one, especially a child without warning. You still have a chance….
With hope for change,
Beckie Felicien (Mother).”
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22 Responses to “EXCLUSIVE: Little Demiah O. O'Neal's mother speaks”
so sad
In Sympthany