About

Our Story. Our Strength. Our Hope.

Moya Moya Strong was born out of something deeply personal—loss, love, and an unshakable desire to make a difference. My name is Ryan, and I am a witness to the painful effects of Moyamoya disease.

My grandmother passed away from a stroke caused by Moyamoya. Years later, my sister also suffered a stroke due to the same condition. She survived but now lives life in a wheelchair. It changed our family forever—and we quickly learned how little is known about this rare but devastating disease.

That’s why this site exists.

MoyaMoyaStrong.com is a space built with compassion and purpose—to raise awareness, support families, honor those we’ve lost, and inspire hope in the face of uncertainty.

Whether you’ve just received a diagnosis, love someone who has, or are simply trying to understand, you’re welcome here. You're not alone.

What Is Moya Moya?

Moyamoya disease is a rare, progressive condition that affects the brain's blood vessels. The name “Moyamoya” means “puff of smoke” in Japanese, referring to the tangled, smoky appearance of tiny blood vessels that form to bypass blocked arteries at the base of the brain.

These delicate vessels are fragile and prone to bleeding or clots, increasing the risk of:

  1. Stroke
  2. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or “mini-strokes”)
  3. Seizures
  4. Cognitive and developmental delays in children

Moya Moya By The Numbers

  1. About 1 in 1,000,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Moyamoya each year.
  2. In Japan, it is one of the main causes of stroke among children and young adults.
  3. Diagnosis typically occurs between ages 5–10 or 30–50, depending on symptoms.
  4. Family history may increase your chances, though not all cases are inherited.
  5. Surgery can restore blood flow and greatly reduce the risk of a major stroke.
  6. Early detection, care, and support can significantly improve outcomes.

Why “Strong”?

Moya Moya Strong isn't just a name—it's a declaration. Strength is found not in the absence of struggle, but in how we face it, talk about it, and hold each other up through it.

This platform was created to honor the resilience of those affected by Moyamoya disease—whether you're battling it, supporting someone who is, or carrying the memory of someone you love.