Please join Vince Brush in his stroke recovery!

My name is Vince Brush, and on January 30, 2022, I survived a massive hemorrhagic stroke. I want to describe what happened to me. Knowing this might help you save someone else’s life. I'm telling you my story with the help of my sisters.

 

After a weekend in the Colorado mountains, I dropped my son at his friend’s house, worked out with my girlfriend, and then went to her house to help clear some ice that had built up in her driveway. After finishing up, I got dizzy just as I placed the shovel back in the garage. Things started to spin. I took a couple of steps, and without warning, I was in an out-of-control stumble-run down the driveway that ended with me tumbling headfirst into a pile of snow.

 

My girlfriend ran to me and asked if I was okay. I told her, “I think so. Maybe I've got low blood sugar or a little dehydrated.”

 

I had no idea what was going on. I tried to sit up – to get my legs under me – and it took a while. I didn’t have any strength in my left leg or arm, and it was tough to sit up, but I did it. Then my girlfriend looked at me as calmly as possible and said, “I think you're having a stroke.”

 

I didn't know what to think. I didn't even know what a stroke was, so I told her I was okay. Fortunately, she didn’t listen to me. She and her son drove me to the ER. I was still conscious. I wasn't in any pain. I knew something was wrong. I’d later learn the stroke was going on this entire time. Little did I know that she saved my life by reacting so swiftly.

 

After the ER staff checked my symptoms (my systolic BP was 250 “crisis level,” and the left side of my mouth was hanging nearly past my chin), they life-flighted me to the nearest trauma center: Swedish Medical Center in Englewood CO, where I spent the next 47 days (8 days ICU, 8 days general neuro, and 31 days in acute rehabilitation).

 

 

 

Now three months since my discharge, I continue working as hard as my brain and body will allow me. I cannot yet live independently due to my mobility challenges (my stroke impacted my left arm and leg, and I’m trying to regain my ability to walk and perform routine daily tasks independently). I have the unconditional support of my girlfriend, her family, my boys, their mother, and my family. Still, my recovery's physical, mental, and financial burden has been - and continues to be – substantial and overwhelming much of the time.

 

I know my loved ones and I cannot do this alone. Would you consider joining us in my recovery with a donation that immediately helps with my medical bills not covered by insurance, my at-home care (I'm not able to be alone yet), and my physical, occupational, and speech therapies, and so much more?

 

I am so grateful that you’ve read my story and are considering supporting me on my recovery journey. Please know that every contribution helps lay another brick on my road to recovery. With the support and love of my family, I have come far since this happened.

 

I look forward to keeping you updated on my progress.

 

With deepest gratitude,

Vince