Foundation Purpose;
The Winandy In-Utero Stroke Foundation has been created by an in-utero stroke survivor to support a worldwide effort of resources, advocacy and assistance.
My Story:
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 have lived my life in both cities for 15 years. I also studied in Birmingham, England (United Kingdom) for four months. 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 mont...hs old. I started physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy ASAP. I have continued all forms of therapy for years.
My childhood was bittersweet. The good side of growing up: I did have a fair amount of good friends and family friends. I had a great family that always made sure I participated in normal activities (softball, running track, church activities, band, basketball, Girl Scouts, summer library reading programs, dancing, drama, and the choir). I also participated in neighborhood kid activities (Cops & Robbers, kickball, rollerblading, biking, and neighborhood block parties). I went five summers to horseback riding camp.
To the bittersweet items; my childhood was not easy at times being a stroke survivor. My town was small enough where everyone knew my story and judged and perceived me in a certain negative way. Children that I grew-up teased me and bullied me into silence. I was even asked in 7th Grade “if I spoke”. In 12th Grade I was up for most talkative, so that is false. The underlining problem; research and statistics were not accurate when I was growing up for pediatric stroke. The internet did not exist like it now exists and support groups did not exist.
The Disabilities Act of 1990 was introduced when I was a first grader. I started off with Preschool (2 years), Junior Kindergarten, Kingergartern-8th Grade (Northbrook, IL) and 9th Grade-12th Grade (in San Diego (Poway, CA)). I grew-up having IEP Goals (Individualized Educational Plans) for each year school year (2nd Grade-12th Grade). I took the SAT’s in a normal non-accommodated setting. The second SAT try was enough to get me into San Diego State University (SDSU). In 2001, I got into SDSU with admission through the Disabled Student Services Program! In 2006 I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts and Sciences Hospitality and Tourism Management with Emphasis in Events, Conventions, and Attractions Management from San Diego State University. In the Fall of 2004; I studied abroad in Birmingham, England. I studied at The College of Food, Tourism, and Creative Studies. I had accommodations through the Disabled Student Services in England too. I graduated with my MBA (Master of Business Administration) in 2011 from the University of Phoenix (UOP). While attending, UOP; I also used the Disabled Student Services Program.
I got my first job official job in 1998; when I turned 16! I worked at a local restaurant as a hostess for 9 months. I have now been working for 15 years. I started babysitting in elementary school after I got the babysitting certification. I have had business cards since elementary school. I had five internships in college, a handful of summer jobs and two other jobs throughout high school. After graduating with my undergrad; I worked in fundraising for 7.5 years.
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.
Winandy In-Utero Stroke Foundation
P.O. Box 500092
San Diego, CA 92150-0092
email: winandy.bridget@gmail.com
Cell: 858-335-0839
My childhood was bittersweet. The good side of growing up: I did have a fair amount of good friends and family friends. I had a great family that always made sure I participated in normal activities (softball, running track, church activities, band, basketball, Girl Scouts, summer library reading programs, dancing, drama, and the choir). I also participated in neighborhood kid activities (Cops & Robbers, kickball, rollerblading, biking, and neighborhood block parties). I went five summers to horseback riding camp.
To the bittersweet items; my childhood was not easy at times being a stroke survivor. My town was small enough where everyone knew my story and judged and perceived me in a certain negative way. Children that I grew-up teased me and bullied me into silence. I was even asked in 7th Grade “if I spoke”. In 12th Grade I was up for most talkative, so that is false. The underlining problem; research and statistics were not accurate when I was growing up for pediatric stroke. The internet did not exist like it now exists and support groups did not exist.
The Disabilities Act of 1990 was introduced when I was a first grader. I started off with Preschool (2 years), Junior Kindergarten, Kingergartern-8th Grade (Northbrook, IL) and 9th Grade-12th Grade (in San Diego (Poway, CA)). I grew-up having IEP Goals (Individualized Educational Plans) for each year school year (2nd Grade-12th Grade). I took the SAT’s in a normal non-accommodated setting. The second SAT try was enough to get me into San Diego State University (SDSU). In 2001, I got into SDSU with admission through the Disabled Student Services Program! In 2006 I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts and Sciences Hospitality and Tourism Management with Emphasis in Events, Conventions, and Attractions Management from San Diego State University. In the Fall of 2004; I studied abroad in Birmingham, England. I studied at The College of Food, Tourism, and Creative Studies. I had accommodations through the Disabled Student Services in England too. I graduated with my MBA (Master of Business Administration) in 2011 from the University of Phoenix (UOP). While attending, UOP; I also used the Disabled Student Services Program.
I got my first job official job in 1998; when I turned 16! I worked at a local restaurant as a hostess for 9 months. I have now been working for 15 years. I started babysitting in elementary school after I got the babysitting certification. I have had business cards since elementary school. I had five internships in college, a handful of summer jobs and two other jobs throughout high school. After graduating with my undergrad; I worked in fundraising for 7.5 years.
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.
Winandy In-Utero Stroke Foundation
P.O. Box 500092
San Diego, CA 92150-0092
email: winandy.bridget@gmail.com
Cell: 858-335-0839
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