INNISFAIL – A year after suffering a stroke I participated in my first fundraiser in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
I joined fellow stroke survivors and their families, caregivers, health-care professionals and the general public for the 10th Annual Central Alberta Stroke Survivors' Walk, Talk and Roll at Crossroads Church in Red Deer on July 17.
I learned a lot about this event from fellow stroke survivor, Bryan Shantz, one of its founding organizers. It was amazing to see so many stroke survivors participating and wanting to help make a difference for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The event was created by a group of stroke survivors in Central Alberta 10 years ago. It aims to raise public awareness about stroke and raise funds to support research and stroke prevention treatments.
This year, the event raised just about $4,390.
About 80 people took part in this fundraiser, including my husband and I. It was a wonderful experience to not only contribute as a stroke survivor, but also to see so much support for stroke survivors, hear some of their stories and share my own.
I was one of the younger stroke survivors that took part in the event, having suffered a stroke at just 45 years of age in July 2017. I realized a year ago that a stroke can happen to anyone at any age.
Since my stroke, I’ve learned about the great work that is being done in the areas of research, prevention and treatment, particularly by organizations like the Heart and Stroke Foundation and individuals like Bryan Shantz. He began a group called the Post Stroke Wellness Support Group in Red Deer that meets every third Tuesday of the month at the Golden Circle.
I’ve also learned first hand, the importance of acting quickly when something doesn’t seem right. Don’t ignore your symptoms, no matter how small or insignificant you think they may be.
If I did, I wouldn’t be here today writing this story.
Instead, I did listen to my body, realize that something wasn’t right and acted quickly. When it comes to stroke, F.A.S.T – Face, Arms, Speech and Time is an acronym that everyone should know, to identify the signs of a stroke and seek immediate medical attention.
As a result of my quick action, I was able to get to a hospital and receive a life changing medication called tPA (tissue plasminogen activator). It is a blood clot busting medication and it’s a game changer for many people.
It definitely saved my life and it’s why my stroke symptoms were practically reversed and why I’m almost 100 per cent better today.
Crossroads Church executive pastor Jordan Polson shared a few words prior to the event. He referred to every stroke survivor as a hero and spoke of our courage in facing challenges and overcoming difficulties every day.
Indeed, we are heroes and we have courage to live our lives not because we had a stroke, but because we are stroke survivors.
