SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — When one of Shelley Stevens’ family members was diagnosed with a rare blood vessel disorder, she felt alone. The disease, known as cerebral cavernous angioma, can cause bleeding in the brain and strokes, and there’s no cure.
Stevens began doing research on the disease and looked for support groups to help her cope with the diagnosis. She came across the Angioma Alliance, an organization that offers information and support to those who may be affected by the disease. When she found it, she felt relieved.
“Really it was a lifesaver because all of a sudden I was able to talk to people who were going through, or who had gone through the exact same thing that we were,” Stevens said.
Stevens joined the group, and began volunteering at their events, such as their annual Together For a Cure Day. These events raise money for research to fund better treatments and find a cure. Members are able to host events in their communities, and because Stevens had volunteered before, she decided to set up a fundraiser in Syracuse.
She decided on a plant sale because she purchased a ton during the pandemic, and she knows a lot about them. She is also a member of a Syracuse plant swap page, and had plants donated to her from there.
“A plant sale made sense just because that’s what I’m familiar with and fundraising is not really my forte,” Stevens said.
Over 100 plants were sold at the event on Saturday, and all proceeds will go to the Angioma Alliance.
To learn more about cerebral cavernous angioma and the Angioma Alliance’s events, visit angioma.org.
