Stroke Survivor’s Ironman Race for Stroke Support

I suffered a stroke from trauma during a freak accident in 2018. I damaged my left vertebral artery and suffered a cerebellar stroke. My recovery process was 5 years and although I am not fully recovered I am in the best shape of my life and performing a half Ironman in Panama City FL on May 10 and my goal is to raise money for your foundation, I have been doing triathlon training and races already, and this year is special because I have never taken it to the level I am currently, and so I want to make sure this race is not about me but inspiring those who are experiencing what I did. I was on my own after the stroke and really had no support, was at my lowest. Doctors would say don’t think about getting to normal and just to be thankful that I’m alive. There was no positive reinforcement just comments about how hard the recovery would be. Fitness saved me and even though I could only lift 2.5lbs on day 1 with my left arm, I would go to the gym every way while doing 1 hr of OT and 1 hr of PT every single day. My desire to get back to normal and inspire others has changed me for the better, I put others before myself in my work and personal life and know everything has happened to me so that I can be an inspiration. I want to share my story to show what people can look forward to even if they don’t have a support system, I was in and out of the hospital constantly and only had myself and I think it’s fantastic this organization provides the support I felt I was lacking. My journey is one that many don’t understand, it has affected relationships and more; but what has remained constant is my desire to help others and be the inspiration because this is more than about me, it is about giving others hope and something to look forward to when they don’t have the support, because that I can relate to. Hopefully this story is shared and helps!