Brain Potential: Stroke Story

My friend, Marcy has a company called Brain Potential. Marcy wrote a story on me and my stroke with her company. Follow the web link below to read the story!

Web Link Location-
http://www.brainpotential.org/promotion/bridget-winandy-in-her-30s-she-had-a-stroke-in-utero-demonstrates-her-strength-in-a-multitude-of-ways

Thanks for sharing, Marcy!

START! Training for another 1/2 Marathon!

I am excited to START! Training for another half marathon representing the American Heart Association-American Stroke Association, San Diego Division. In the past, since 2005, I have trained with the Training To End Stroke (TTES) program in... Orange County. The photo enclosed is from the AHA/ASA office, April 2013 on National START! Walking Day, an important day to recognize walking & exercise. This past year, I tried to participate for a half marathon, but heart palpitations stopped that from happening. 9 months later, I back! I am very healthy & the happiest I have been in years! Awesome news! Training will start in January of 2014, and we will run the R & R Half Marathon in San Diego on Sunday, June 1, 2014. I love this run! If you would like to participate too; please message me or contact the San Diego Division for more information. Let’s GO TEAM GO for HEART & STROKE AWARNESS, RESEARCH & ADVOCACY!

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Affiliate/Start-Training-motivates-walkers-and-runners_UCM_449319_Article.jsp

WORLD STROKE DAY: OCTOBER 29, 2013!

1 day out! Today is the Day, World Stroke Day “Because We Care”, October 29, 2013! The 6th STROKE SURVIVOR to highlight is the 16.67% of our WORLD POPLUATION that has encountered a STROKE and was given the opportunity of another day! These 1 out of 6 people (16.67%), their caregivers, and family or friends are doing amazing things. These amazing things include video posts to help others to walks across America, taking their first steps, and showing determination that the stroke affects will not win. In celebration of the day-get out & celebrate this beautiful day to prevent STROKE by exercising, eating healthy, or finding ways to reduce stress or anxiety. If you think you are experiencing a STROKE: DO NOT HESTITATE! The chances are high you are having a stroke! UNFORTUNATELY; ONLY 30% of our population recognize the warning signs (F.A.S.T.) of someone having a Stroke. This is the day to celebrate being alive, the difference you are making in this world & more importantly-THAT YOU ARE A SURVIVOR & Here to Share it! Life live to the fullest! Seize The Day….

2 days out till World Stroke Day: October 28th

2 days out! 1 day till the Big Day-World Stroke Day! The 5th STROKE SURVIVOR to highlight is Mycle Brandy. I met Mycle & Louise (Mycle’s Wife) Brandy in the summer of 2005. Mycle, a 4 time stroke survivor, is doing amazing things including his walks across America! Mycle has also completed Marathons including the Boston representing “Tedy’s Team”. Mycle has been very instrumental in my life, because he helped give me the courage to be open about my stroke & live my life! He s...tarted “Walking Across America: The Mycle Brandy Movement” with the mission movement as “There is life after stroke. It’s about a feat against all odds-triumph over tribulation: to rise, make a stand and take the steps towards a better future for our children and ourselves”. You can also order Mycle’s Book- “Zero To Hero In Less Than 90 Days” In celebration of World Stroke Day-get out and feat against all odds; like Mycle Walking Across America! (Here is Mycle and I at the TTES party for finishing the 2006 OC Marathon!

http://walkingacrossamerica.org/

 

 

3 days out to World Stroke Day! October 27th!

3 days out! The 4th STROKE SURVIVOR to highlight is my Grandpa “Mike Ferrick”. My Grandfather lived life to the fullest as a World War II Vet to traveling the world with my Grandma to playing ball as a Boston Red Sox! Unfortunately, he passed away in 2000. Mike’s MAJOR Stroke occurred in the early ‘90’s where he lost his ability to drive, walk or stand for long periods of time, play golf, and a full ability to speak when he wanted. However with determination, he did his daily... walk and enjoyed the same activities when we went to the cabins, such as fishing! The biggest determination of my Grandpa was at my Grandparents 50th Anniversary. My Uncle & Grandma did a first dance to one of “Blue Eyes” songs. It still brings tears to my eyes because, even though the stroke took my Grandpa’s ability to stand for a long time he got up to do a first dance 50 years later with his bride! These are the moments that every STROKE SURVIVOR should be able to get. In celebration of World Stroke Day-find that reason to bring out your determination to make your life great! (Here is a picture of my Grandma dancing a few years ago-She still has it)! Happy Make a Difference Day!

October 26th: Getting the Flu Shot-reducing stroke & creating awareness!

Last Saturday, I attended a flu clinic to get my flu shot. Yes, my chances for having another stroke have reduced now according to Forbes article last week. While getting my flu shot it turned into not only one but two stroke stories. The first story of stroke was with the nurse and the second stroke story was with a man whose daughter at the age of 20 was experiencing STROKE like symptoms. He mentioned that his daughter went to the ER and went through the STROKE Code but a stroke was undetected. He did not think that a young person, his daughter’s age could experience a stroke. He thought at first I was a doctor because of my knowledge of hospital equipment. I then informed him about my survival. When he heard I was a survivor and living life to the fullest-he was impressed. He mentioned that he did not know if his daughter was feeling well and informed his ex about their daughter’s visit to the ER. I informed him to keep an eye on their daughter for awhile to ensure it was not a stroke occurring. I wished him the best of luck & told him if they think she is having a stroke-do not hesitate just go to the ER to get treated! This is a reminder with a true story. Strokes can occur outside the 65+ age group. If you think you are having a stroke call 911 or get to the nearest hospital’s ER!

4 days out to World Stroke Day! October 26th

4 DAYS OUT! The 3rd STROKE SURVIVOR is Bailey who was born on October 20, 2012. I met, Beckie Coates, Bailey’s Mother this year through a Stroke Forum. Bailey JUST turned 1 and the video attached is Bailey “Eating her birthday cake at Bailey’s Rocking First Birthday”! There is a Facebook Page for Bailey’s Journey through Stroke called- “Baby Bailey-Perinatal Stroke Superstar” which was started “ab...out being the best advocate for your child". This is one of the reasons I felt the NEED to start a foundation to help support those going through the patch of stroke survival that I have already completed. I am excited to see Bailey and her family see her "continue to defy the odds and overcome any obstacle set in her way"! This is a great STORY that is a reason to celebrate such an important day representing SURVIVAL on World Stroke Day!

 

https://www.facebook.com/BabyBaileyPerinatalStrokeSuperstar

5 days out for World Stroke Day: October 25th

5 days out-HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!The 2nd STROKE SURVIVOR is my childhood friend since 1st Grade, Heather Dawson, now Heather Kroupa. Heather had a MASSIVE STROKE, about two years ago after giving birth to her first child. When Heather had her stroke; it hit me very hard and I tried to provide all the assistance I knew from San Diego to Chicago. This is also about the time I realized, I NEED to not WANT anymore to move forward with my dream to help other survivors. Here is her story..., “Heather Kroupa’s Stroke Recovery” YouTube video for the “Day Rehabilitation Care at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC)”.As Heather “is now back to life-Thanks to DayRehab”, it shows options of Stroke Recovery therapy that “1,700 survivors” a year use! Congrats to Heather, her husband Adam, and their two wonderful Children! I am so happy that this World Stroke Day, 2013; your video can help other families decide if RIC is right for them!-Heather is living her dream to be a MOM!

http://www.ric.org/pros/referring/levels-of-care/day-rehabilitation-at-ric/

This was for 6 days out for World Stroke Day! October 24th

6 days OUT! The first STROKE SURVIVOR to highlight is Brian Redd who lives in Wisconsin. I met Brian in June of 2013 through a Stroke Forum. He was very helpful and a great friend while I needed some advice. I have kept in contact with Brian over the past four months & he is doing amazing things! He started video playlists called-“Life After My Stroke Video Collection” on YouTube. Brian S. Redd has created 31 videos for “A collection of videos I’ve done since my April 2011 st...roke, from the hospital to today, hoping to reach out to anyone who wants to adapt & get on with life”. The videos he created include “Life After My Stroke-My 1 Handed Can Opener” OR/AND “Life After My Stroke-Self Employed & Back To Work”. Please visit Brian’s YouTube videos for advice and how to live life! Congrats to Brian Living Life & creating awareness everyday & during this week leading up to WORLD STROKE DAY, 2013!

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcCBV2FdxBQ9fxBt4M7YsexS2Xshn_9s6

November 10th, 2013 Toy Drop Off for AJ's Kids' Crane!

My portion of the proceeds from the Saturday, November 9th, 2013, 9th Annual Fall Garage Sale will go towards the purchase of toys to provide AJ’s Kids’ Crane event that starts on November 8th, 2013 in San Diego. According to the American Heart Association 29 out of 100,000 children will be experiencing a stroke. These toys are our way of providing comfort to those 29% of stroke survivors, their family & friends as they move forward with life after the stroke.

Please let me know if you would like to include a toy. I will coordinate for a pick-up time for the toy.

http://energy1037.cbslocal.com/2013/10/18/download-your-ajs-kids-crane-donation-poster-here/

9th Annual Fall Garage Sale: November 9th, 2013!

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, November 9th: We will be participating in the 9th Annual Fall Garage Sale from 6am to 11am in my parent’s neighborhood. After 16 years; a large project for this summer was to identify what we still use as a family & do not. We will be selling a lot at this annual garage sale!

November 6: National Eating Healthy Day!

According to the American Heart Association, National Eating Healthy day was created to encourage making “small, healthy changes and raise awareness of the importance of good nutrition” (2013). The CDC also reports that eating a healthful meal and snake options can help avoid STROKE and its complications” (2013).

What did you eat? I ate a Salad & a healthy wrap!

Register with the link below if you would like more information on how to eat healthier!

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/General/National-Eating-Healthy-Day_UCM_428941_Article.jsp

Incredible Breakthrough Show! November 20th

I met Bob Miller less than a month ago through a good friend who is also a survivor! I am so thankful to have found these types of friends. It is an honor to have this opportunity.

The Incredible Breakthrough Show was created by Bob Miller to "acknowledges the accomplishments of those who have chosen to contribute to society in some meaningful way despite their own personal challenges" (2013).

Check-it out-
https://www.facebook.com/IncredibleBreakthroughShow

Thanks again, Bob Miller. I am so excited for November 20th!

World Stroke Day! October 29, 2013!

I was asked to work with other Stroke Ambassadors for the American Heart Association to create a FAST Video! Here are some of the photos from the day! It was such an honor to work with these other ladies and the AHA/ASA. This makes my life what it is-PERFECT with HAPPINESS!

Dream Run-featured on World Stroke Day! Thank you!

I was featured on one of my friend's page, Ida, another stroke survivor who created "Dream Run" in Australia. I met Ida about six to eight months ago. I am very thankful to have her inspiration and friendship-all the way from Australia!

Here is the write-up from her blog...
http://www.mydreamrun.com/1/post/2013/10/inspiring-stroke-survivor-stories-3-bridget-winandy.html

World Stroke Day!

Check it out! This was posted last week on Friday by the Los Angeles Division of the American Heart Association.

Here is the link of the FAST Video & Photo with the San Diego Division of the American Heart Association!
http://romansblog.org/#sthash.LCboPZIH.j6sY8nRW.dpbs

Happy European Restart a Heart Day!

This is a day according to the Restart a Heart Day website to create awareness in regards to learning CPR (2013). I have been involved with trying to get CPR certified myself. I have provided two links of two associations/organizations that do provide courses to take for CPR certification.


CPR courses are offered through the American Red Cross; follow the link below to sign up;
http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class

CPR courses are offered through the American Heart Association; follow the link below to sign up-
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/CPRAndECC/CPR_UCM_001118_SubHomePage.jsp

Apple PIcking-How to do it and use both sides!

I grew-up; apple picking, pumpkin picking to pear picking. Yesterday, I went with my family to go to Julian to celebrate my Mom's Birthday! We went and did a handful of things. One of the things we did was apple picking.

Granted; this is something that I am very used too being from the Midwest. Who does not enjoy doing a fall activity?

At times; it can be a little difficult for a survivor of a stroke, like myself to go apple or pear picking; pumpkin picking is easier because most of the time you need to use two hands to lift a pumpkin.

 

One aisle for the apple picking with hills in the background; breath taking. Who does not love San Diego? This is paradise; beach on one side and the mountains to the other! The sunshine speaks for itself too!

 

This is me with the left hand, affected hand wrapped, gripped or spasticity around an apple getting ready to take it off of it's tree branch.  This is me living a dream; doing things by myself to ensure I do what my sisters were doing too; apple picking with both hands. Live Life and get involved with your community activities like this; it always brings a smile; a great way to be living in happiness!

This is a great photo with my left hand, the affected hand from the stroke and the difference and ability to not control my motor skills, like the un affected hand. The difference is significant in the ability for me to do something as opposed to not doing something. The best part about this; I have the determination to do what I think I cannot do. I have the determination to make things happen for me by myself or with the support of family and friends. This is that example, I am reaching in to grab an apple all by myself.

This is one of the reasons that I started the blog; to provide day-to-day living experiences that can be hard for a survivor and provide information that another survivor feels this too or has experienced it too! This is what is needed for survivors; tactics, examples and ways to ensure you participate in life the way you should!

Walk to School Day/Bike to School Day; October 9, 2013

 

Today has been a rainy day in San Diego. Therefore; Bealla, Piper and I got out before the weather poured later this afternoon.

We got out to get exercise and support the efforts to promote a healthy active lifestyle.

Happy Walk to School Day/Bike to School Day!-October 9th

Bealla, Piper, and I will be walking to support the day since I ended school in 2011. I hope that you can find time in your day by walking or biking to school, going shopping ,parking far from the store to get some exercise or in to going for a walk and having a great discussion! In my mind; it is not necessarily, walking or biking to school, but yet a day to inform individuals how important it is to go out and be active!

Walking and Biking has been a big part of my childhood to adulthood. I walked or biked or rollerbladed everywhere when I lived in Northbrook. Yes, for certain things you do need a car and going to places farther than the area of downtown or on the other side of the town. Then, to get into Downtown Chicago you took the train. The train station was three blocks from our home. OR if you were with my Dad-you drove into Chicago. It was a great healthy lifestyle. When, I moved to Birmingham in England it was as if I returned back to Northbrook. I walked to school, stores, outings & to go to the train station.  OR when I was traveling into different countries (9) you experienced the walking or biking lifestyle. In college at San Diego State University, I lived on campus and was able to go back to the lifestyle I grew-up with too- I walked everywhere for those years. One of the biggest culture shocks about moving to California was the difference in the ability to do what I did in Northbrook or then in Birmingham for my “normal” lifestyle.

The photo attached is a group of some of the friends from my neighborhood (I am the one in the back-left). I do not think pink tights are back in, but tights such as black are back in. I think you can see why now-a-days Betsey Johnson is one, if not my favorite designer! This was the first day of 2^nd Grade for the back row (including me) and the first day of Kindergarten for the first row. We all walked with the parents to school that day. It was apart of the lifestyle; walking everywhere you went. We even had a crossing guard at one section to ensure cars would not come through too.

 

 

They were repaving the sidewalk corner that I met one of my friends to go meet up with the other friend two blocks up the street to go to school. We put our handprints in to remember the important spot. We met here for 9 years in Northbrook!

 

 

 

I hope that today, as I do with Bealla and Piper; you get out to enjoy an active activity that promotes your ability to lower your blood pressure to stress or anxiety. Most importantly; live life and enjoy this fall day or spring day!

Lake Miramar Walk: October 6

Today, Bealla and I did a 4 mile walk at the lake. We would have done 5 but it really is dry out. I felt it in my throat and my lack of ability to keep the same pace as I am used too; maybe it was the Lakeside or Camp Pendleton fire.

 

Bealla got a great report from her doctor appointment in the morning. We also supported one of the local places; Peterson's Donut Corner!  Today, so we celebrated by continuing a heart healthy lifestyle to go for a walk. She is now a very tired dog....

 

Keeping active and seeing all the people at the lake is awesome. You see families, friends, couples, the staying active individuals, those walking with their dogs, the bikers, teams training for one thing or another or people training to build up their lifestyle. Whatever the case; it brings joy to see all these people actively trying to ensure that they lead a healthy lifestyle and are happy with a smile and/or wave. People Love Bealla and so many people smile at me to say "Hi" after they say Hi to Bealla. It is an awesome feeling to know that I am doing something that keeps me healthy. I need to because not only did a stroke happen to me but cardiovascular conditions such as a heart attack run throughout one of my parent's sides.....

 

Live life & find that thing that gives you the passion to exercise and workout for a healthy lifestyle!

 

 

Bealla and I!

 

Bealla excited to go for her walk at Lake Miramar-this happens each time!

 

 

Bealla and I again..... I tried to get the sunset in the background. She loves to give out Kisses; as you can tell here!

 

                                                   The Mile Marker we turned around at....

 

A photo of the sun setting!

 

Bealla at one of her favorite spots; stopping, standing and enjoying the breeze!

 

A photo of the sun setting!

Happy Teachers Day! October 5th!

Happy World Teacher Day! To all the teachers of the world; classroom setting to life lessons to your family and friends and your biggest teachers; the parents! Thank you.....

As you can image; I have had great teachers as well as the opposite. However with the opposite, I have learned that they do not acquire or have the interest to teach how a person learns but whatever works best for their teaching method.

For instance, the 1st grade report from professionals made statements that my teacher did not want to help and got annoyed that their was a need for extra help, repeat of instructions, patience, cognitive understanding, body language, attention span (ADHD, ADD) or an ability to speak or threatening to exclude me.  To her benefit; the ADA Act was in the process of being passed in that period and the rules would not go in affect till I was going into 2nd Grade. Good thing I was moved to a different class for 2nd Grade! 2nd Grade was great!

I have met so many positive teachers throughout my life; from my parents, to my sisters, Aunt's, Uncle's, Grandparents, cousins, best friends, great friends, roommates, teammates, other survivors, the caregivers, doctors, therapists, the dogs in my life, ex-boyfriends & in some ingredient everything not listed that has taught me how to live my life to the fullest and not think of what others think.

 

Supporting World CP Day: October 2

Bealla, Piper & I walked 5 miles at Lake Miramar in San Diego to stay heart healthy! We also supported the day with my outfit of green showing in this photo. Green is the color to support CP! 

Living Life to the fullest with two great companions-Bealla & Piper!

Happy Smile Day! Make it a great one!

 

A stroke happened to me...

When you look at me; Would you think that I have a lifelong condition?

When I announce my condition; 9 out of 10 times the response is “NO” and that I look normal. The shock; I suffered a stroke before I was even born. The reality; technology in 1982; did not offer an understanding of when or why and my condition was seen slim to none. Looking at the research/doctor notes/reports there is no reasonable or logical support on “WHY” my stroke happened. My life after stroke is the reason to start a foundation/blog and support system for others.

Statistics vary according to research compiled through associations/organizations/trials. Research and trials of stroke concentrate heavily on adults of stroke and then on children of stroke. In 1995 (when I was 12); stroke research started to focus on childhood. Statistics for the condition have now been around for 18 years. The American Heart Association reports that 29 out of 100,000 children OR 1 in 3,500 children with a live birth will suffer from a stroke (2013), while the National Stroke Association reports that 6 children out of 100,000 will suffer a stroke (2013). This statistic (s) provides support for one of the foundation’s initiatives to advocate for awareness and understanding of stroke.

The Stroke after-math that affects my life is on my “Right Hemisphere” of the brain affecting the left side of my physical body. As a result, I do have left-sided “hemiparesis”, meaning my motor skills are limited to none, a noticeable leg limp, and spasticity that affects my arm/hand/elbow. One of my favorite statements to make is a reference to the Rush Hour Movie, “Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth”. In 2009, I was in the Orange County Go Red for Women Movement celebration and stated in my speech “I sometimes cannot get the words out of mouth”. I got the audience all laughing! This is in relation to my stroke affect of Aphasia and my inability at times to speak what I am thinking. The affects of a stroke are lifelong long-term not temporary. The affects that are above have been at some point, in my life, hard for me to handle. I have learned how to move forward with support and understanding. This is an important initiative to inform others/the community/and create awareness for understanding. I hope that initiative for the foundation will increase awareness of childhood stroke to our community.

When tPA came out; I was 10. I was so excited to see someone found a cure. However, the cure did not pertain to my condition. Still in 2013, the CDC reports that 795,000 individuals suffer from a stroke in the United States per year, and experts still state that 10%-20% (3,000 through 5,000) of the childhood strokes will go undetected. We still have a lot of work in the childhood stroke community. After I got my MBA; I knew I was ready to move forward to support the stroke community with my story, help, advocacy and involvement in life.

I started the foundation and blog because I had experienced a lack of support, resources, and advocacy as a child growing up as a stroke survivor. Today, I still see and have experienced a lack of that support and resourceful information. I want to make the world a better place by using my experience and information to close that lack gap.

 

 

Happy Gandhi Jayanti Day

As many of you are aware; I love positive statements, living life and helping to make things happen for people! Well; Today is an awesome day with World CP Day; it is also Happy Gandhi Jayanti Day!

I believe in Karma as well as my religion and I find that Gandhi's statements also provide that information!

I found these quotes of Gandhi from one of my favorite; Forbes!
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ashoka/2012/10/02/12-great-quotes-from-gandhi-on-his-birthday/

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” 
I am beyond happy and living life to the fullest. I hope that my vision and my life is shown by what can become a reality when I do as a I say!

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
This is true for anyone in any situations. In Today's World it is unfortunate when we lose a close one too soon in life or at the end of their life. It can affect you. For me; with my PSA, I do have a difficult time with losing someone or feeling helpless towards the situation. I do wake up and live life to the fullest and as many are aware; I state "Live Life" al the time. I have learned to live life each day and not take it for granted.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
This quote by Gandhi is exactly what and why the foundation was started. It takes a village to bring awareness and by connecting with others trying to the same empowers the vision to make in-utero stroke awareness a reality! Thanks for helping to find a way to create awareness and understanding!

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
I always tend to lose myself looking at the service I do for others. I generally start to think of their happiness and work off of that. I also feel that this is what a "simple pleasure" in life is. It is when you help others to live life and give them excitement for what they can do with their lives!

“If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.”
This is a great quote and the what a survivor like myself will try to do. If you tell me I cannot, I am too slow etc... I will prove it wrong by trying to do it and live my life with happiness. This is also a feeling of how it is at the beginning for me with the foundation and blog. I will make this a reality and provide the awareness and support that is needed for the cause! It is my passion!

“Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.”

I believe that this is the first photo describes the quote the best.  This is my first anniversary of my stroke at 23 that I felt free to talk about my stroke and that it was ok and it was not a mistake to tell people.

Happy World CP Day! October 2

I have already worn green to support the day too! CP and Stroke run hand in hand and I am so happy to honor the day!

I will wear green and post a picture later; I think while Bealla and I go for our 5 mile walk....

Anti-Bullying Story and tactic purpose of the foundation/blog awareness!

 

 

My name is Bridget Winandy. I am a 31 year-old living in San Diego, California, originally from Northbrook, IL (right outside of Chicago). I had a stroke (in-utero) before I was born on September 17, 1982. My stroke was discovered after 6 months of testing at the age of 10 months old. I started physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy ASAP. I have continued all forms of therapy for years.

Today, is the start of Anti-bullying month (October). BULLYING is unfortunately; a big part of my life. My town in Illinois was small enough where everyone knew my story and judged and perceived me in a certain negative way. I have also experienced bullying while living in San Diego. Children that I grew-up teased me and bullied me into silence. In 3^rd Grade, 1993, I was already a team builder and wanted to include everyone in my “BIG” ideas of the world. One of those ideas was to create a skit of a twist of Cinderella. My favorite Disney Princess. I was included for the first part because it was an idea of mine that I brought to the table. Our skit; us third graders were performing for the Kindergartens' and 1^st & 2^nd Grade Classes. We did this during class time and all the students watching the skit appreciated the performance. For anyone who knows my personality; I love acting/singing/dancing. However; one of the girls, to remain nameless to protect her name, pulled me aside at Recess one day to tell me that I was not wanted anymore by anyone to participate in the skit performance. I can still remember her bullying me by taking me aside at Recess and having a great day but it being ruined by her way of approaching and speaking for everyone that I was not wanted.

This was one of the first reasons on why I became silent towards my peers in school. I felt unwanted and that they wanted to take my idea and all my work and run with it afterwards. An idea of a slacker wanting to look like they created the idea but really they did not. To the story; no, I stuck up for myself and said it was my idea and that I was a huge influence to why this skit performance existed. Needless to say; once the skit ended, I was out casted by all those girls. They became a good version of the “Mean Girls”. I rarely to ever spoke to them again. Fortunately; the girl that pulled me aside moved in 5^th Grade. I moved for 9^th Grade.

 

I am very excited to see that now that they have an anti-bullying awareness month to create awareness. Over the years people have made statements to me; “grow some thicker skin” or become “less sensitive”.

I hope that at some point those people understand; I do have incredible thick skin to take on bullies and move forward at some point. My “thick skin” has always been focused on my education and my health. I choose to use my “thick skin” to encourage a “GOOD LIFE” not focus on the bullies that try to bully me into silence.

There is still a lack gap for Stroke and awareness of what percentage of bullying occurs to us survivors due to having a stroke. This is why I started the foundation; to help raise awareness of what a stroke is, so people understand and decrease the bullying percentage of disabilities. I hope awareness of understanding turns into people encouraging us survivors to inspire a dream or live life without fear of bullying tactics.

I worked in fundraising for 7.5 years and actively volunteering for organizations for the past 12 years. Today, I still see and have experienced a lack of support and resourceful information. I want to make the world a better place by using my experience, starting a foundation & blog and information to close that lack gap.

Happy Anti-bullying awareness month!

Let's raise awareness of anti-bullying awareness month!

Happy National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

Let's raise awareness this month for disability employment awareness!

Happy National Health and Fitness Day!

San Diego Brain Injury Foundation: Friendraiser; 9/28

We attended the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation; Friendraiser held at the Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego. We had a great time helping out with the auction and being a runner around helping out on various projects!

 

Photo that Raquel took!

Raquel and I have been asked three separate times at two different events if we are sisters or related! 

 

Photo taken by my friend on the left, Raquel!

San Diego 2013 Heart Walk: 9/28

I had a great time at the walk at Petco Park in Downtown San Diego. Downtown also had the opening of the new Library the same day.... It was quite awesome to see that opening.  The time to get into a parking spot and get back onto the freeway was great. I had good phone reception to find a friend to walk with, another stroke survivor! I believe this made the walk great. I walked with the team for a 5K! It was great exercise and before the heat went up in San Diego.  Here are some photos from the day to see! We also entered the T-shirt to the contest but it lost.... Purple is for Stroke! Let's find the cure!

Photo from my friend, Marcy, another stroke survivor with her company; Brain Potential!

Happy Heart World Day; 9/29/2013!

Bealla and I will be walking 5 miles once the heat goes down to celebrate the day and stay heart healthy!

September 28, 2013: Heart Walk!

Working on the end piece to the T-shirt for Tomorrow's Heart Walk in San Diego! Here is a link if you would like to attend or donate!

As some of you are aware; I have been participating in this walk for the San Diego Division since 2006. I... love my spot light time and in 2006, I was the Heart Walk Survivor and featured on KUSI with the Chair of the Walk! In 2009, I was the Survivor route lead and it hit harder because some of you are aware that a heart attack hit my immediate family a few months prior! The walk usually is the weekend before or after my birthday; which also happens to be my stroke anniversary due to it being in-utero! This year it is 11 days out from my birthday/anniversary and I can celebrate in another way! With all the amazing people that I have met through the organization to overcome and live life to the fullest everyday!

This walk is something that always gets the emotions of me because it means more than just a walk. This walk to me represents my anniversary and my ability of where I am Today! I do not let my stroke define me. However; I am also aware of the affects of my stroke and make sure that I accommodate myself in any situation to live life!

Most importantly; get out and live life, walk a 5K for the Heart Walk, and embrace who you are!

Excited to celebrate with all the Strutters Tomorrow!

http://www.sdheartwalk.org/

9/24/13 Walk: Chicarita Creek

The first part of the hill that has a stair like area because it has a second part to the hill. This leds one section of the walk into the other (business side trail to the creek side of the trail). I go down this slow but not to slow just enough to keep my balance. 

The second part of the hill that is in a turn around section like stairs for a home. I go down this at a slow pace but not to slow just enough to keep my balance. 

This is the highest hill on the path. To go uphill is no problem but to go downhill I go to the right and take my time. I do not want to lose my balance. 

The ducks are out...... 

Bealla in the Bunny section. They tend to come out at night and she gets very excited!

This is one of the favorite walks for Bealla; nature is more present. This is the closest path/walk from where we live too. It takes about 50 minutes-1 hour. It is great to see how many people are out and about walking, running, biking or walking their dogs!