Melissa Austin

Big cheers for stroke survivors

As a nurse I am in constant awe of people's abilities to cope, survive and thrive through the toughest of circumstances. Over the years I have witnessed the most amazing recoveries from stroke enabled by thrombolysis and clot retrievals as well as specialized rehabilitation..none of which would be possible without vital research. I have seen miraculous recoveries before my eyes resulting from these therapies which have meant that patients who would have otherwise been severely disabled, walked away from hospital with little to no deficit at all. To help put this into context - here's my story ..before I was a nurse, I took my elderly family member to the emergency department ...it was 2003 and before code strokes must have existed. It was clear my family member was having a stroke but unfortunately the treatments were not available and we were told to sit and wait and we watched as the stroke progressed. How times have changed! If I recall correctly, I have worked in stroke in SA since the beginnings of the 'code stroke' ...Stroke care and recovery have come so far. We have life saving, life changing treatments and preventions ?.I know first hand that the money raised through stride 4 stroke provides meaningful and much needed resources for stroke survivors and their loved ones. I must have given out thousands of stroke packs over the years which have provided valuable education to patients and their families ...so I felt it was fitting to pay back a little for all those resources that have helped me do my job over the years. I am dedicating my kilometres in support of an old and dear friend...that person knows who they are :) and I'm taking every step for them ..so if you can spare a little or a lot to make a difference to the life of someone affected by stroke ..please do. Also remember FAST ..face, arms, speech and time!! Time is brain people ?..Thanks for the support and generosity and here's a big cheer for all those stroke survivors and their carers / families ? you're all amazing and I feel blessed to be involved in your journeys xx