Eric S.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
By: Eric Sarno

Stroke in Madison Wisconsin Athlete to Advocate

My face of stroke is 4 years older than it was at the time of my stroke, but at 41 I think it is debatable whether I am a young stroke survivor, but I could say that I am younger than some, I guess. But never the less, stroke happens to a variety of people at a variety of ages. I was 36, a single parent of 7- and 9-year old girls and a very fit 3-time Ironman Triathlon finisher. I suffered a hemmorhagic stroke. I lost my ability to walk or recognize the left side of my body, developed hydrocephalus and 5 subsequent brain surgeries. I have since recovered through intense therapy, help from friends and family, to return to work fulltime as an oncology biotech sales rep. I continue to compete in triathlons. I enjoy advocating for the stroke community at the state and federal level. I am passionate that everyone know and be able to recognize the warning signs of stroke. Timely medical treatment is vital to survival and recovery from a stroke.