Colin Beech Foundation
OUR
MISSION
The Colin Beech Foundation was started in honor of our son Colin, who had his life altered as a result of a ruptured AVM (arteriovenous malformation) in his brain during October of 2020. Our foundation’s goal is to further the research and education for those affected by AVM’s. Colin’s foundation donates to local hospitals, rehabilitations centers, and charities that assist people and families suffering from this rare disease. It is our goal to give back to the many organizations that played a part in Colin’s recovery, as we hope to see future advances in patient treatment and care, as well as increased support networks for families.
Charities we Donate to
WHAT IS AN AVM
An arteriovenous malformation is a rare condition where an abnormal and fragile connection of arteries and veins form in the brain or spine. Many cases are congenital and silently form prior to birth. They have a detection rate of 1/100,000 each year in the US. Typically, patients present between the ages of 20 and 60 years of age. Although they can occur at any age, Colin’s AVM ruptured the night before his ninth birthday.
The most frequently observed problems, related to an AVM, are headaches and seizures. It is estimated that 15% of the population, at detection, have no symptoms at all. In serious cases, the blood vessels rupture and there is bleeding within the brain (intracranial hemorrhage). In more than half of patients with AVM, hemorrhage is the first symptom, as was the case with our Colin.
There is a 10-15 percent risk of death, and a 20-30 percent chance of permanent brain damage, related to each bleed. Each time blood leaks into the brain, normal brain tissue is damaged. This results in loss of normal function, which may be temporary or permanent. Some possible symptoms include arm or leg weakness/paralysis, or difficulty with speech, vision, or memory. The amount of brain damage depends upon how much blood has leaked from the AVM.
Our logo: Why a turtle?
Throughout human history, turtles have been described as symbols of longevity and the ability to survive. They are connected with virtues that are normally attributed to the elderly such as patience and wisdom. “Slow and steady wins the race”, recovery from a brain injury can commonly be reminiscint of classic story the Tortoise and the Hare.
Our turtle started as a stuffed souvenir picked out by Colin on a family trip to Hawaii. When Colin was first rushed off to the hospital by ambulance, his mom instinctively grabbed “Turtley” to keep him company. With the help of the ICU nurses at Stanford, this turtle stayed in Colin’s hand the whole time for the many weeks he was in a coma. Many months later upon Colin’s discharge from the hospital a pet tortoise was waiting for him. He proudly named the tortoise Grant in honor of the surgeon at Stanford that performed his surgery and removed his AVM, Dr. Grant. Colin stuffed tortoise Turtley still sleeps on Colin’s bed and has become a symbol of hope for our family. Slow and steady, and always moving forward.
See photos of Colin’s Turtle and his journey
CHECK OUT OUR STORY ON NBC NEWS
Events
Colin Golf Invitational Fore AVM Research
Learn about the upcoming event on Saturday August 10, 2024 and see pictures from last year’s invitational