Think Stroke Only Happens to the Elderly? So Did I.
In 2020, at just 29 years old, my life changed in an instant. What started as a severe hemiplegic migraine actually caused a stroke in my cerebellum.
The stroke fundamentally altered how my eyes work together, triggering a relentless cycle of severe, debilitating migraine attacks. It was terrifying, isolating, and completely unexpected. I quickly learned the hard way that cardiovascular events don't care how young or healthy you are.
Why I'm Walking
I am participating in this American Heart Association walk to turn my survival into action. I walk for a few vital reasons:
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To Shatter the Stigma: Stroke can happen to anyone, at any age.
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To Fund Lifesaving Research: The science funded by the AHA helps survivors like me find answers, therapies, and hope.
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To Save Lives: Recognizing the signs of a stroke early changes outcomes. If sharing my story helps even one person or saves one family from this pain, every step is worth it.