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Karen D.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
By: Karen D
Karen
Survivor
The saying goes, “Your life can change in an instant.”
But who would expect it to change for the better after a stroke?
In March 2007 at age 37, I survived a hemorrhagic stroke
caused by an AVM. Devastating timing since this occurred four months
prior to my wedding. I spent weeks and months in recovery learning to
walk again. Armed with the determination to “walk down the aisle” on my
wedding day, my journey on the road to recovery began. Realizing now,
there is no finish line when it comes to recovery. Every day you need to
reach deep down and find the desire to keep trying.
Knowing you’re not alone on your journey makes recovery a
little easier. I co-founded Reclaiming Ourselves, a young adult stroke
survivor support group born in February 2010. Having the ability online
to reach across the miles to other stroke survivors has been rewarding.
Young adult stroke survivors are unique. We have a Facebook page where
survivors can join to share stories, experiences, frustrations and
celebrations.
I joined a group of female cardiovascular survivors.
We are passionate volunteers who share within our community our personal and
powerful stories of survival. By educating others about the warning signs
of heart disease and stroke, and how to live heart healthy lives, we are
bringing attention to the #1 killer and #3 killer, heart disease and stroke and
saving lives.
I’m also training to run my first half marathon (13.1 miles)
in June 2011.
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