Hello my name is Elizabeth.

I survived a stroke 9 years ago.

Here's my story:

It was 2015. My first born daughter turned 1 years old. Her party was amazing. During the time I started having minor headaches. I took pain relievers and didn't give it any thought. By the month of October, my birth month, I had this constant daily headache for several weeks. I began to use cotton balls in my ears to minimise any noise and took extra strength pain relievers daily to ease my headache. I still needed to take care of my daughter, go to work everyday and get online for my college courses. My birthday was coming up and I'd been having these headaches since February and they have only gotten worse. I called and complained to my doctor, about the severity and frequency of these headaches, she instantly referred me to see a specialist the next day. In his office the shades were drawn, lights were barely on, absolutely no noise, just a very calming atmosphere. At the appointment he gave me a few things to do and advised me to write down all I ate, and what caused any changes in my pain. A follow up visit with him was scheduled for 1 week later.

I continued my daily routine noting everything, but the pain remained constant, to the point I could no longer lay on the left side of my head or get any rest. I had plans with my cousins at the end of the week for a belated birthday night, despite how I was feeling all week I looked forward to hanging out with family and decompress. I rested after work the morning of October 25 and spent the day with my daughter. That night, after the baby was down for the night, I got ready to meet the girls, I took a pain reliever to ease the throb in my head. It was a night of laughter and fun with plans to catch up next week.

It was already past midnight, so before heading home I stopped by a friend's house. We were catching up and I had just mentioned my headaches. While talking I felt an intensifying excruciatingly sharp pain in my neck, then the whole left side of my body went numb. My heart was beating so fast, I felt it pounding in my head. I told my friend to take my phone, call my Mom, tell her my left side is numb and to meet me at the ER. I then said after you hang up, call 911 because I need medical help now! Then I closed my eyes, proceeded to pray and talk to God. At some point the ambulance arrived, I could hear someone saying" she's had a stroke, we need to go now!"

By the grace of God, with family love and support, I was able to find the strength and the courage to be independent again. Navigate my new normal. As a stroke survivor all we long for is to be normal, or return to the life we lived before the stroke. Without proper support or encouragement individuals often feel alone, depressed and withdraw. Some get angry or frustrated and no longer feel motivated to recover or live.

I am raising funds for my fellow stroke survivors, to bring us all together. This event is to bring "Warriors" on different levels of recovery together for a weekend of uplifting, encouragement, and establish new friendships. Offering workshops with other stroke survivors, heart to heart circles, demonstrations, motivation squads, a brunch and a gala honouring "Warrior Triumphs" on their recovery journey.

Warrior Triumphs: I'm still here, fighting to regain my independence and ready to share my story as motivation for others.

This is important to me because at the time of my stroke, I was a 26 year old new single mother. I had very little support, no idea how to navigate what I was going through. I lost confidence in myself, felt so alone and became very sad watching the elderly be mistreated around me because people counted them out after their stroke. Staff meant to help me, looked at my age and did not bother to help me. Living in rehab, I was the youngest in the room. So I decided I will help. Many of us "Survivors" feel these exact feelings and no one who truly understands, let alone give us real support, help or listen.

Navigating my recovery journey with the support of my loved ones encouraged me to fight for my independence and rise from my wheelchair, to my walker, to my cane, to my own apartment, to driving a car again, to traveling, to working and then to having another healthy baby while my left side remains weakened and numb. I am a Warrior! Nothing can stop me!

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

I am that listening ear, the voice of encouragement, the push of motivation, the ONE person who fully understands. I am brutally honest and desire to guide my fellow "warriors" on their journey to a new norm.

The funds raised will be used towards the venue, any potential flight or hotel accommodations, accessible transportation, catering for special diets, any modifications needed, honouree awards/gift cards, special instructors or speakers, etc.

Thank you in advance.