Stephen's 5K Run for Stroke Recovery

Hi, my name is Stephen Watson and let me tell you, this last year has had its ups and downs for sure!

On July 15th of 2023, I had a massive Stroke at the age of 38! For several days I called the ICU home as the Doctors and Nurses fought everyday to bring me back. (Some later on confessed to me at some points, they didn’t know if I would make it) By the GRACE of God and the wonderful Hospital staff, three weeks later I was Wheeled out to start this new life of fighting!

In complete transparency, I was completely scared, frustrated, mad and devastated. I could not see a future and I was bitter. Meghan was/still has been a champ pushing and supporting me. She stayed by my side and constantly pushed me knowing that everyday, the next would be better.

i finally was accepted into The Roger C. Peace Outpatient Brain Injury and Young Stroke Program. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary rehabilitative approach involving individual and group therapies centered on the patient and family within the treatment center, community and home. Advanced outpatient programs focus on life skills, higher cognitive abilities and re-entry to school or work. Four times a week for six hours a day I go for PT, Speech, Cognitive, Psychology and Group support. To say the least, these are my Homies…

Sadly, this program is based on Grants and funding is scarce. So many more individuals could benefit from these services as I have. It truly has turned a once dark outlook on life to an excited/thankful outlook.

So here’s how we partner. I’m doing a 5k on Aug. 4th here in Greenville! What’s crazy about it? Before the stroke I didn’t run, after the stroke I had to learn how to walk again. The other crazy thing, it was almost an exact day to the day I got out of the Hospital.

I’m running and raising money to make sure this program continues. I’m running to give the hope I was blessed with to someone else! I’m running because THE BEST IS YET TO COME! From not being able to walk to attempting a 5k is Huge! Please consider Teaming up with me!