My Stroke Survivor Story - I'm one of the lucky few

On November 24, 2021 - a day before Thanksgiving - I had a routine follow-up with my PCP, Dr. Javier. During my annual exam, I happen to mention symptoms of numbness and tingling on the left side of my face and body. At first, I dismissed them due to my ongoing cervical neuropathy which I was being treated for pain management with Dr. Horn. I would eventually get a cervical spine surgery/ACDF in 2023 from C4 to C7. 

When I mentioned my symptoms to Dr. Javier - I listed the duration which I happened to document during the night I was having them as they seemed different from the 'usual' numbness and tingling I've been having. I asked him if this was experiencing TA stroke. He confirmed that I need to call someone to take me to the ER immediately and/or his office can call 911 so I can be in an ambulance. He stressed against me driving home and to leave my car at their facility on Providence Rd. 

My husband was out of town so my mom had to take me. During my stroke work up, the CT scan did not pick up any anomaly. However, the ER doctor advised that I should stay overnight for observation and have an MRI scan in the morning. It was the MRI scan that showed that I was having a subdural hematoma. So, on Thanksgiving Day, I was spending it at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital (SPAH). How festive! 

I had to stay at the SPAH for a few more days to ensure that I get the treatment I needed. Ironically, despite being at the hospital during a holiday, I was indeed incredibly grateful for being at the right place, at the right time. If that wasn't divine intervention, I don't know what is! 

So, I'm humbly asking you dear family and friends to consider walking with me and/or donating to a great cause!

In a heartbeat, you could be the difference.

9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital don’t survive. Most of the time, it’s because no one nearby performed CPR. But together, we can change that.

Extraordinary things happen when people take action. A small step. A simple skill. A lifesaving moment. Heart Walk brings communities together to create health and hope for every heartbeat. Every walker who joins, every dollar donated, means more people trained in CPR, more research and more lifesaving moments for everyone.  

Extraordinary starts with YOU. Join our team today or support by donating towards our fundraising goal.