As a mother, my heart aches to share the unexpected and devastating news about my daughter, Vivian. At only 21 years old, she was struck by a sudden and unforeseen stroke, despite being healthy, active and having no prior medical history.

Vivian, a devoted sister to her three younger siblings, worked two jobs while pursuing her educational aspirations. Our family has always been one of support, encouragement and prayer, and now we face the challenge of rallying together to aid Vivian in her challenging journey to recovery.

Our days are filled with prayers for Vivian’s strength and healing. The road to recovery is daunting, both emotionally and financially. Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and ongoing care are significant financial turmoils that we never anticipated. Especially not for a healthy 21 year old.

We want to shed light on the rarity of Ischemic stroke at 21, emphasizing the uniqueness of Vivian’s situation. By sharing, you are helping us spread awareness about the challenges associated with such a rare occurrence and the strength needed to overcome it. This is devastating as we continue to search for answers. About 10 to 15 percent of strokes occur in children and adults under age 45. Unfortunately, Vivian is now one of these rare occurrences. Overnight her life was turned upside down.

Every contribution, regardless of size, will play a vital role in ensuring Vivian receives the specialized care she needs.

Thank you for being a beacon of support during the most challenging time our family has faced.

We also want to bring community awareness, education and more support to younger stroke survivors. Although the situation and severity are rare, it still exists.