Thursday, 3 August 2023

National Stroke Week

Emma VULIN (Pakenham) (09:58): Stroke awareness and support for stroke victims is something that is very close to my heart and something that I am passionate about. It has touched my life and the life of my family and friends in a very real way. National Stroke Week is next week, 7–13 August, and it is a reminder for everyone to know and recognise the signs of stroke. Educate yourself on FAST – the signs are face, arms, speech and time.

Many of you know that I suffered a significant stroke in 2016 at the age of 36. The stroke left me unable to walk, talk or eat properly. It happened in my sleep. When I woke up in the morning I could not get out of bed. At first I thought I had pins and needles. I fell to the floor. I dragged myself down the stairs, calling out to my children. My nine-year-old at the time called 000, and I went to Casey Hospital and was there for two weeks before moving on to Monash, where they finally diagnosed my deepest fears. After eight months of rehabilitation, of learning to walk and talk and eat and drive again, I just want everyone to know that stroke can happen at any age, so make sure that you are aware of the signs of stroke and look out for one another. I also want to thank the allied health services and the medical staff that supported me during my journey.