Reflections of a Strokesafe Ambassador
It’s funny how things seem to happen in clusters. First off it was the five year anniversary of my stroke, two days later my Facebook memories reminded me that it was four years ago that I’d retired from work due to ill health. This morning, it was that one year ago today I completed my first Strokesafe talk.
Obviously my journey started before my stroke and I think it’s my past that has influenced how much satisfaction I get from the program. Prior to my stroke I was a primary school teacher. I joined the profession late, commencing the four year university course as a mature aged student at 36, and turned 40 in my first year as a qualified teacher. I loved teaching and all that it entailed.
At the same time I was heavily involved in volunteering in my local community. Over the years I’d been on various school councils, including 12 years at my children’s primary school, worked as a Red Cross volunteer visiting elderly who didn’t have regular visitors, and was on the organising committee for the local Carols by Twilight and Secretary and Treasurer for our community’s hall and recreational reserve. With three kids, a dog and a cat it’s fair to say the life I shared with my husband was busy and very fulfilling.
Following my stroke I was accessed as never being able to work and had to resign from my teaching job. While this was quite confronting, and resulted in a fair few tears, the fact I had tried to return on a gradual basis between my original stroke and the first of my TIAs had shown me that it really was beyond me. I also had the mindset that in the scheme of things not being able to work was not going to define me and I would remain positive about the things I could do. I gave up most of my volunteer positions but continued with the Secretary and Treasurer roles. This didn’t last for long as I struggled to take minutes, talk on the phone and follow what was being said in meetings and a Treasurer who reverses digits etcetera isn’t competent at fulfilling their role.
I’m so glad that while perusing the StrokeFoundation website I discovered the link to Strokesafe Ambassadors. A seed was immediately planted that this was something I should be able to do. After pondering on the idea for a while I filled in an on-line form and waited to see if I would be accepted to complete the training. I must admit I found the waiting time a bit stressful as I anxiously pondered whether I would be ‘good enough’ or not.
Needless to say here I am eight talks down and with another three booked in. Being a Strokesafe Ambassador is the perfect fit as it gives me the opportunity to combine two loves of mine; education and volunteering. The interaction with the attendees is wonderful. It is a real social situation with equal moments of seriousness and humour as I entwine my stroke story with strategies for reducing the risk of stroke, the importance of FAST as well as the need to be aware of other stroke signs, and what to do if you suspect someone is having a stroke. There’s a lot of self-satisfaction in knowing that I am helping to spread awareness for such an important cause with each presentation giving me a sense of pride and purpose as I show people that while stroke can occur at any age, and despite myriad effects, life post stroke can still be wonderful and full of optimism.
Due to the effects of my stroke I am unable to drive so presentations are a family affair as my husband, who works from home three days a week, usually acts as my chauffeur. I always discuss this with the group organiser and they have always been happy to give him a room where he can set up his laptop and continue working.
Being a Strokesafe Ambassador is a badge I proudly wear as it represents how far I’ve come in my stroke journey and also highlights a path I have decided to embark on.