On November 3, 2024, I will be running The New York City Marathon with Team Heart & Stroke. Being a stroke survivor, this cause is close to my heart.
My story began on May 14th, 2023. It was Mother’s Day and my mom was visiting for the weekend. I woke up feeling strange and told my mom that I felt dazed and confused. I was able to speak but was having difficulty expressing myself. My mom recognized something was wrong and decided to take me to the emergency room.
When I got to the ER, I wasn’t able to complete forms or answer basic questions like what’s my address. I was seen immediately by a doctor and assessed. I remember hearing the doctor mention the word stroke. But the doctor said “at your age you would have a better chance of being struck by lightning than having a stroke”.
After running some tests, an MRI revealed swelling on the left temporal lobe of my brain, indicative of a stroke. At 28 having a stroke is extremely rare, and I thought this couldn’t be. I was an athlete, a division 1 basketball player, work out daily, eat healthy, don’t smoke and I don’t do drugs. This couldn’t happen to me. Doctors had no explanation and told me that we may never know why this happened.
At the age of 28, no one thinks they will hear the words “you had a stroke”. At that age, I would think most people are thinking about family, career, or relationships - certainly not about having a stroke. At least I certainly wasn’t. However one year ago, it became my reality.
Since that day in May, I’ve had so many questions but no answers. That’s what inspired me to run the NYC marathon with the AHA. My goal is to raise funds for the research that may someday prevent strokes. It has always been my dream to run the NYC marathon, but overcoming a stroke has given me a purpose that’s bigger than just running!
On November 3rd, I will lace up and I hope you will join me in taking strides to end stroke and heart disease by making a contribution towards this worthwhile cause.
Thank you for your support!
Alexandra
