Mary Hamill's Stroke of bad luck

I am reaching out on behalf of my amazing mother in law, Mary Hamill, who lives half a world away in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Four years ago, I fell in love with and moved her daughter and best friend Alison to live with me in Vancouver.  We booked a flight for Mary to visit us this summer for an amazing two-month vacation where she’d spend some much-needed time with her daughter and new grandson.
 
Shortly after an adventurous two-week road trip throughout B.C. and Alberta, Mary suffered a massive ischemic stroke in our home just one day before her 65th birthday.
 
The ensuing hours at hospital were filled with uncertainty as Mary found herself hooked up to machines and monitors while receiving emergency care. Mary’s happy, chatty, energetic and quick-witted personality were nowhere to be found.  Her eyes were full of confusion, fear and apprehension as she came in and out of consciousness.  Mary later told us she thought she was dying.  After several hours of uncertainty and Alison by her side, Mary began to improve. TPA, an emergency medication that dissolves blood clots, had taken full effect. We were overwhelmed, amazed and so grateful for the decisive action and expertise of these doctors.  
 
Within 24 hours Mary was back at our home, it was her 65th birthday, and after a miraculous recovery there was a lot to celebrate. However, Mary’s brain endured significant trauma and would need time to heal.
 
Mary is known back in Ireland as a fitness fanatic, and an avid gym goer. It wasn’t unusual for her to box, flip tires, hike 15km daily or cycle 100km a few times a week. Sitting around was never an option and that’s what shocked us the most, this truly can happen to anyone.
 
I am starting this fundraiser to help Mary financially as she was not medically covered in Canada.
 
Mary has spent her whole life working hard, selflessly devoted to supporting her family. After retiring, she dedicated herself to raising money for various charities close to her heart. She has taken part in countless cycles around Ireland, completed several Tough Mudders, hiked the Great Wall of China, and collected in the streets of Belfast in aid of Cancer Research and Suicide Awareness.
 
Mary’s life-long passion has been helping others and it is my hope that we can now help her in this time of need. To anyone that reads our story and is able to help in any way, we deeply appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts.
 
Thank you