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