At the very height of the pandemic in 2020, I suffered a stroke that put me in the hospital for 5 days and out of work for three months. I couldn't speak properly for over a year....but I almost never went to the hospital in the first place.
I work in healthcare, I knew the signs, but I thought myself "too young" to have a stroke. I was convinced that somehow I was faking my symptoms. At the encouragement of my sister I called a consulting doctor, but even after he suggested I go in to the ER, I thought he was worried over nothing. Only at the insistance of my mother I finally went did I finally go. By the time I got to the hospital, I had lost my ability to talk. I gave them my ID, all I could mumble was my blood pressure numbers. They called a code and grabbed me by both arms and took me back for an emergent CT. Thus began the uphill climb of recovery.
I am extremely thankful for everyone who was a part of my healing. My friends collected funds to help me, they cooked for me, and helped me train. Since then I try to share with others the signs of stroke.
I walk because I know that with every step, I am saving lives.
We're all tied to heart disease and stroke in some way. Your donation will fund groundbreaking research that literally keeps hearts beating and helps people have longer, healthier lives.
This year, as we celebrate the Centennial of the American Heart Association, we will move health and well-being forward in important and critical ways. This relentless pursuit will continue until heart disease and stroke no longer exist.
Have a heart and help me reach my goal today.
