The story of Jim and Sally

Sometimes we watch a story unfold that sends a tingle down our spines at Stroke HQ, and the story of Jim and Sal is one of these.

Jim 68 lives alone and is 14 months post stroke. He is a much-loved member of EnableMe.

In EnableMe Jim has shared his thoughts and dreams for recovery, and recently shared a goal of travelling from Queensland to Melbourne to see his family.

Jim says “Since my stroke I am paralysed on my left side, it means I only have the use of one hand and one leg. Living alone I am self-managing my affairs and my recovery.”

Goals are mentioned a lot in EnableMe, but I was not setting any for myself for fear of failure. I have kept my secret dreams well down inside.

However through the constant exposure to positivity in EnableMe, I am off on a trip by myself, wheelchair in tow, to visit my brother and his family. It is a goal that was out of reach some months ago.

Jim did make it to Melbourne to see his brother and his family, and in the process rediscovered his passion for travel.

Surprisingly, one of Jim’s relatives works at the Stroke Foundation Melbourne office, and was touched to hear how EnableMe was helping Jim.

Jim’s niece Sally says “From the minute I sat down Uncle Jim started raving about EnableMe. He said it’s his saviour. He has written many blogs and Jim describes them as therapy. Blogging gives Jim a sense of relief.

I have never been more proud to work for the Stroke Foundation, sitting at the dinner table with my family listening to Uncle Jim rave about EnableMe – he told us Stroke Foundation saved my life.”