My Daughter Had a Brain AVM: Advocacy, Medical Trauma, and Hope

My Daughter Had a Brain AVM: Advocacy, Medical Trauma, and Hope

Author: Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist September 23, 2026 Duration: 59:46

As we begin to close out NICU Awareness Month, Katie sits down with Matilda "Tilly" Aldridge, a content marketer and mom. During a normal morning, Adelaide, her oldest child, was rushed to the hospital after Tilly and her husband heard Adelaide screaming from her room. She was given a CT scan, and a large tumor was found in her brain. 

Tilly recounts her experience not only dealing with the sudden occurrence of Adelaide's medical emergency, but also how Adelaide herself was able to overcome the trauma she suffered. Together, Tilly and Katie dig into what advocating for answers can entail, and finding joy in the aftermath. 

Timestamps 

1:40 - Introduction to Tilly's Journey

4:28 - Navigating Parenthood During COVID

7:21 - Impact of Postpartum Depression 

10:41 - Life-Altering Medical Emergency

13:18 - Understanding AVIM 

16:10 - The Road to Recovery 

22:13 - Managing Anxiety in Children 

25:17 - Empowering Children Through Choices

32:04 - The Impact of Medical Trauma 

37:00 - The Search for Answers 

43:57 - The Fight for Medical Attention 

49:07 - The Joys of Motherhood Post-Trauma

Resources

What is AVM

What is AVF

Medical information shared in this episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare team for guidance specific to your child and family.

 


Hosted by Katie Taylor, a Certified Child Life Specialist, Inside the Children's Hospital is a quiet space for the often unspoken journey of pediatric illness. This podcast moves beyond the clinical to explore the human heart of the hospital, offering conversations that feel more like a shared cup of coffee in a waiting room than a formal interview. You'll hear directly from parents and caregivers who articulate the complex mix of fear, resilience, and love they experience, while pediatric nurses, doctors, and therapists provide their unique professional perspectives on fostering healing and normalcy. The discussions naturally delve into the practicalities of family life disrupted, the emotional weight carried by all involved, and the small, profound moments of hope that sustain people. It’s a resource for anyone connected to a child’s health challenge, whether you're a family member seeking solidarity, a friend looking to understand, or simply someone interested in the intersection of medicine and humanity. Each episode aims to validate the listener's own feelings, whether they are in the midst of a crisis or reflecting on one, by presenting these authentic narratives without sugarcoating yet always with profound compassion. Tune in to find a sense of community and a deeper appreciation for the delicate, powerful work happening within those walls.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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