NARRATIVES
TALK TO A
ADVICE
Established April 15, 1995
University of West Georgia Disclaimer
Laci Taquino
July 2, 1991 - August 14, 2006
Laci Michelle Taquino was born July 2, 1991. She was a Sophomore and was a "Honor Student" with a 4.0 GPA. Laci was a Junior Varsity Cheerleader and an active member of the Beta Club. She was a student of dance for twelve years. On July 13th, Laci got her learner's permit and chose to be an organ donor. Little did we know 1 month later she would save 6 peoples lives.
25 November 2006
My name is Lisa and my daughter, Laci Michelle, died on August 14th, 2006 from an AVM. She was only 15 years old.
The night of August 12, 2006 changed our lives forever. A typical Saturday evening turned into a nightmare. Our beautiful daughter, Laci experienced a sudden headache and began losing feeling in her left leg. I was attempting to get her to the hospital when she lose consciousness and began what I now realize was posturing.
I immediately called 911 and the EMT's arrived within 10 minutes. By this time she had one pupil dilated. She was taken to a local hospital where a CT scan revealed a massive hemorrhage in the right parietal occipital region of the brain. At 3:00 am, August 13th, she was taken to the operating room and craniotomy was done.
The doctor was not very encouraging due to the amount of swelling in the brain. We waited and prayed for signs of recovery that never came. Laci was pronouced brain dead at 9:40 am on Monday, August 14th, 2006. Later, the doctor told us that even if we had known about the avm, surgery would have been very risky because of the location.
Laci never showed any signs of anything. She had yearly check-ups at the doctor. She occasionally had sinus problems. She was an honor student and cheerleader in high school. She did not miss a day of school her freshman year. She was also involved in tumbling and danced 3 nights a week. She was a loving and caring person. She will always be remembered for her hard work and dedication to everything she did. We are very proud of her and the life she lived.
Prior to this event, I had never heard of an AVM and wish this was all a dream. Laci's death had left a void in so many peoples lives. We struggle everyday trying to understand how something like this could happen to someone who was the picture of health.
Discussion, comments, or questions: Lisa Taquino
© Copyright 2006 Lisa Taquino
All Rights Reserved - Fair Use
acknowledged
