WORLD STROKE DAY: Wednesday October 29, 2014
Over the past month, through a host of specialist appointments, we have discovered that Dom's stroke resulted in a number of factors aligning at the same time - factors which were unpreventable. I think this is the hardest part to accept - that we couldn't have done anything to prevent his stroke, and that there is not a lot we can do to prevent another one except ensure he takes his Warfarin. Its the helplessness that is the hardest to process.
As a wife I want to take care of my husband, look after him, make him happy, love him for my whole life. Some days it feels like stroke is the dreaded rain cloud hanging over a day of outdoor fun. Its not something I can forget, seeing him in the hospital - so sick, and me being unable to do anything to change that for him. I would do anything to switch the roles, to have the stroke so he doesn't have to go through all this. Although when I think about that properly, Dom would probably prefer it not be me that had the stroke - I can be a moody bitch at the best of times, let alone when I'm sick or injured.
The World Stroke Organisation http://www.world-stroke.org/ is using the 2014 World Stroke Day for their 'I am Woman' campaign:
"The World Stroke Organization (WSO) is calling for immediate action to address the global epidemic of stroke.
The “I Am Woman” campaign reinforces the fact that while stroke does not discriminate between sexes, women are more at risk of
having a stroke and in many cases are the primary caregiver to an affected husband, father, partner, daughter or son."
http://www.worldstrokecampaign.org/get-involved/campaign-advocacy-brochures.htmlObjectives of the World Stroke Campaign and World Stroke Day - http://www.world-stroke.org/advocacy/world-stroke-campaign
- Raise awareness on the profound and universal impact of stroke on human life and suffering;
- Increase understanding of the solutions that exist. Prevention is the most readily applicable and affordable part of knowledge. Key actions must be made to encourage healthy environments to support healthy behaviors.
- Translate knowledge into action. Transdisciplinary teams must be encouraged to develop expertise and translate evidence into practice. Establish simple but comprehensive stroke units. Stroke units have long proven their worth, even in their most basic form. And, work towards building a healthcare system that responds to the needs of each individual living with the impact of stroke.
Generate a movement that stimulates collective responsibility and action. Families, community-based groups, professional societies, national governments and the international community all need to support the delivery of programs and services to all persons affected by stroke, as well as fight for better access to basic health services.
- See more at: http://www.world-stroke.org/advocacy/world-stroke-campaign#sthash.Q6Ft89ul.dpuf
1 in 6 people will have a stroke in their lifetime. Women are at greater risk than men of having a stroke, but women are also more likely to be carers of a stroke survivor. So today, World Stroke Day, take a moment to think about your loved ones and how 1 in 6 could effect you and the ones you love - what are you going to do to prevent becoming a stroke statistic?
Unite with me and Dom in the fight against stroke. Contact me if you would like to purchase a Stroke Solidarity String or purchase directly from the Stroke Foundation - funds raised are donated to the Stroke Foundation.
I am woman...stroke affects me. But I am thankful for the second chance Dom has at life, we will not waste it. Help me raise awareness to fight stroke by sharing this blog with everyone you can.
We are still raising money for the Stroke Foundation via our Everyday Hero account; please donate if you can, and share this link so others can also donate:
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| Our Wedding Day - January 7, 2012. |
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