Find my full story at http://www.stroke.org/faces_Lenice
Lenice Hogan, 46, has won the identity crisis facing many stroke survivors who are progressing through recovery. "I spent two years as a victim," says Hogan, "but have definitely moved to survivor."
Hogan is a survivor of not one stroke, but three, all at young ages. She survived hemorrhagic strokes at the ages of 26, 38 and 39. Only the third was actually recognized as stroke--the first two went undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Hogan's strokes left her with challenges such as leg weakness, difficulty swallowing, difficulty recalling words and balance issues. They also left her in denial, grief and fear.
It was her three children who made her decide to make the shift from victim to survivor. "Denial and fear was not allowing me to embrace life," she says, "I wanted to be the best mom I could be and live my life for the time I have left."
An email from National Stroke Association inspired Hogan to run in the New York City Marathon to raise stroke awareness and funds. She has run the marathon three times and plans to run at least 17 more. Hogan also writes a bi-monthly blog about stroke for http://LiveWellNebraska.com, participates in a stroke support group at UNMC Hospital in Omaha, serves on National Stroke Association's Stroke Advocacy Network board and has participated in lobby day on Capitol Hill.
Despite her impressive accomplishments, she is humble about her efforts to raise stroke awareness. "I'm just one person trying to make a difference," she says.
National Stroke Association’s mission is to reduce the incidence and impact of stroke by developing compelling education and programs focused on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and support for all impacted by stroke. Thank you for joining us to try and stop this devastating disease.
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