STROKE survivor Thomas Graham spoke at the Port Macquarie Hastings Library on Wednesday 29 July ahead of Stroke Awareness Week, which runs from 3-9 August.
Thomas’ talk explored how his life changed after he experienced a pontine stroke in May 2023.
He wrote a book chronicling the intensive physiotherapy program he followed to regain his physical movement, supplemented by writing poetry, gardening, walking and forest-bathing to maintain his psychological wellbeing.
Thomas’ book “Let’s go for a walk: Rebuilding body, mind and spirit after a stroke” is about resilience, recovery and the role that writing and storytelling can play in rebuilding a life after a major health event.
”Writing allowed me to unscramble my jumbled thoughts and calm tender emotions while I kept my focus on restoring lost movement,” said Thomas.
Thomas’ story offers encouragement and hope to stroke survivors, trauma sufferers, and those entrusted with their care.
Thomas is trained as a Stroke Safe Speaker by the Stroke Foundation, and he also spoke about how to recognise the symptoms of stroke and importance of getting to hospital quickly when experiencing the classic signs of a stroke.
Stroke Awareness Week is 3 – 9 August and its message focuses on recognising stroke signs and acting F.A.S.T. to save lives.
If you see any of these signs, act fast.
FACE drooped.
ARMS can’t be raised.
SPEECH slurred or confused.
TIME is critical! Call 000.
Local stroke survivor Amy Jennings was 32 when she had a stroke in 2013 as a result of a haemorrhage due to an arterio venous malformation (AVM).
The stroke left Amy with no speech and no movement on her right side.
Her rehabilitation to learn to speak and walk again was a long journey.
Today she is independent, drives a modified car and dedicates her life to stroke and aphasia support, awareness and research.
“I set up the local stroke group in Port Macquarie where stroke survivors and their carers meet each month,” said Amy.
“I am the Stroke Safe Speaker for the Mid North Coast area for the National Stroke Foundation.”
Requests for groups or organisations to learn more from a Stroke Safe Speaker can be made to the National Stroke Foundation: https://strokefoundation.org.au/What-we-do/Prevention-programs/StrokeSafe-Speakers
To find stroke support groups in your area visit: https://strokensw.org.au/stroke_clubs/
By Pauline CAIN
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
