From Salman’s mom, Laila:

Salman was a bright and ambitious 17-year-old when his world changed in 2016. One day, he suffered a massive stage 4 intraventricular brain hemorrhage caused by an undiagnosed AVM rupture. He was life-flighted to Emory Hospital in Atlanta, where an emergency hemicraniectomy (removal of part of the skull) was performed to relieve pressure on his brain.

Within two weeks, Salman suffered a stroke, leaving him paralyzed on his right side. He endured multiple complications, including a tracheostomy and the eventual placement of a Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt to drain excess fluid from his brain. His condition was so fragile that several medical procedures had to be postponed. Salman remained in a medical coma for nearly three months in the Neuro ICU. This critical recovery time was lost, making his rehabilitation even more challenging. He suffered peripheral vision loss (PVL) and other cognitive impairments, but despite the odds, he fought to regain his abilities.

Before his AVM rupture, Salman was a peer leader, a math whiz, a community volunteer, and the track manager at Parkview High School. He was set to graduate in 2017, but due to his condition, he could not complete high school until 2020. His brain damage led to memory loss, and his VP shunt must be monitored regularly to prevent malfunctions.

Salman started his journey on a stretcher, moved to a wheelchair, and continues working towards greater independence. He constantly asks, “Why me?” and longs to reclaim his former life—returning to school, walking again, and resuming his passions. Despite all he has endured—Salman refuses to give up. He teaches us every day that resilience, love, and perseverance can overcome even the most devastating circumstances.

As a mother, my heart breaks to see my once-happy son facing so many hardships. I do not want any other parent to go through what I have experienced. Salman’s road to recovery is long and requires immense resources. He believes in hope, persistence, and never giving up. With the right support and medical care, he can continue to make progress.

We have recently joined The Niekro Foundation and it has provided the opportunity to share experience with other AVM survivors.

Salman’s words of advice for other survivors is “NEVER EVER GIVE UP!”