Happy 2014!

Wishing Everyone a Happy New Year!

Have a great day celebrating the new year & preparing to experience a great year!

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!