Since my stroke I have learned how to live as a stroke survivor. My stroke did take away a few things such as the inability to use my right hand for fine motor skills, taking medication to control seizures, and I can longer work as a structural engineer, as the stroke affected my frontal parietal lobe.   But, I had made the decision not to allow stroke to control my life.  I have become very efficient in using my left hand, I worked with my doctor to find the correct medication for seizure control, I am using my masters degree in architecture to design buildings, and my goal is to run another marathon. 

Most importantly, I have been an advocate for stroke survivors.  Shortly after my stroke, I joined a local stroke group to find support, comfort, and knowledge on stroke.  That led to my determination to help others who had also had a stroke.  So, I joined the Central Illinois Stroke Council.  We took part in local health fairs, put together mailers with information about stroke, and worked with local professional to get information circulated through local businesses.  From there I was invited to be on the Illinois Stroke Task Force to help the physicians and other professionals on the task force understand stroke from a survivor’s point of view.  This task force works to reduce the burden of stroke and to identify a public plan for stroke through the collaboration of Illinois hospitals and other health groups. 

I have given many speeches to groups in an attempt to show others that a stroke can happen to anyone…..even a 26 year old who had just run a marathon.  I started a running/walking race to raise money for Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp.  The stroke camp provides a weekend of camping for stroke survivors and caregivers.  We raised $3000 for the camp our first year and $6000 the second.