A Second Chance

In March 2025, my life changed in an instant.

At 36 years old, I suffered a rare and life-threatening stroke called a basilar artery occlusion. What started as a headache quickly escalated, leaving me completely paralyzed and unable to move.

For nearly three hours, I fought to get help using my phone. Thankfully, I had emergency contacts set up on my iPhone, a simple feature I had never thought much about. That feature connected me to the people who got me the lifesaving care I needed and ultimately saved my life.

Recovery has challenged me in ways I never imagined. I had to relearn many of the things most of us take for granted - walking, talking, eating, and regaining my independence. Every milestone has felt like a victory, and every day is a reminder of how grateful I am to be here.

I would not be here without the love and support of my family and friends, and the incredible care I received from the teams at Massachusetts General Hospital and Spaulding Rehabilitation. They gave me a second chance at life.

At 36 years old, stroke was never something I thought could happen to me. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that stroke can happen to anyone, and every second matters. Learn the signs of stroke: BE FAST - Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time. Recognizing these warning signs and acting quickly can save a life.

That's why I'm supporting the Boston Heart Walk and the American Heart Association - to help raise awareness, support lifesaving research, and encourage more people to recognize the signs of stroke.

If there's one thing I hope you'll do after reading my story, it's this: learn BE FAST and make sure your emergency contacts are up to date. These simple actions could help save a life.

Thank you for supporting this cause and helping spread awareness. Together, we can make a difference.

Liz