Ruth W.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
By: Ruth Whitman

Survivor

Acquaintances from stroke groups, as well as myself, have all had strokes resulting in mild or severe disabilities, because we were all clueless about strokes and the absolute need for fast medical help. A new book, Save Your Life by Shelly Glazer, Med., LMFT and Mache Seibel MD (2011) states on page 32 that a stroke is a real emergency. Every 40 seconds, someone in the US has a stroke, and almost every three minutes, someone dies from a stroke. Knowing this now, I am really appreciative of the opportunity to relate a few stories to help raise stroke awareness and save lives.

I am a retired kindergarten teacher, who was still working as a substitute teacher, when at the age of 85, two years ago, I had a stroke. As it was pouring, this day in March, I took a taxi from Copley Square, Boston after getting off the bus, to get to my school, a few blocks away. When I got to my school but could not move my feet to leave the cab, the driver yelled at me that I had to get to a hospital, and I was yelling, "no" that I had to get to work. URGENT TIME was being wasted! The Brigham Women's Hospital was only five minutes away, my health was absolutely perfect and if I had any idea of what was going on, I would have RUSHED to that hospital and had the TPA which stops the ischemic stroke (a block) which is what I had. Because the cab driver took me to some other hospital, I am very grateful to still be alive.

Robin's Story:
Robin, a beautiful girl about 55 yrs old, lost her job because of a stroke. She, also, had no idea of what was happening. She’s now very happy doing volunteer work. It is only when she stands to walk that you see that one side is paralyzed and that she walks with a terrible limp.

Seboul's Story:
Seboul, at the age of 22, had a stroke and was at home for hours until he finally going to a hospital. The stroke, due to not knowing immediate help was needed, has left his face twisted and made speech difficult. Seboul, now 36 years old, could not be an eye doctor, but he takes wonderful photos of the world around him, which amaze everyone. He sells these fantastic colored photos to earn money.

Ann's Story:
Anne is an artist, and because her mother had a stroke, Anne gives a portion of money made from selling shirts she designs to stroke research. Because Anne knew stroke signs, when her beloved dog began acting strangely, Anne rushed him to the veterinarian. Sure enough, an MRI showed that the dog indeed had suffered a stroke. Anne's dog is now making a good recovery, because Anne knew to act quickly! Ruth sent a check from the sale of Ann's shirts and adds, "I am truly grateful for the wonderful opportunity this has given stroke survivors to help raise awareness of this disease. I will continue to send stories to this special organization."