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!