Secondary stroke deserves another look

When Stacie had her stroke, it didn’t just take her control – it took her identity. She couldn’t remember her name, her address, or even the names of her children. But she chose resilience over retreat, embracing her recovery as “Stacie 2.0”. Since then, her journey has been marked by remarkable achievements – including publishing a book and delivering a keynote for the World Health Organization. Guided by her children and supported by her husband Johan, who recognised the first signs and stood by her through every step, Stacie has become a powerful advocate for person-centred care and equity in stroke recovery. Each milestone is a triumph – and a reminder of what was lost, and what could be again.

Richard was moments away from driving his son to school when the stroke struck. Surrounded by family, he was able to get help quickly – a blessing he doesn’t take for granted. His recovery has been shaped by determination and faith. From relearning how to pick up a single grain of rice to returning to thank his rehab team, Richard has never lost sight of the second chance he was given. Though the journey was at times isolating, he found strength in helping others – mentoring fellow survivors and raising stroke awareness. Grateful for how far he’s come, he remains mindful that another stroke could take him back to that lonely place.

At 45, fit and healthy, Sas never imagined a stroke could be part of her story. It took everything – her independence, her job, even her role as a mother. Told recovery had reached its limit, Sas refused to accept it. She relearned how to speak, read, and found a new passion for painting – turning her recovery into a story of resilience. A second stroke followed months later, but timely care meant no further damage. That relief only deepened her drive to speak up – for herself and for others. Today, Sas is an artist, writer, and advocate – raising awareness and fighting for better care so no one else has to live with the fear of what might come next.

At just 41, Hyvelle became one of a growing number of younger stroke survivors, suddenly facing the void as a stroke took her movement, speech, and control. Thinking of her children, she found the strength to rebuild her independence. Rising from her wheelchair was a turning point – not just in recovery, but in her mission to inspire hope. Today, she uses the voice she once lost to empower others and raise awareness of stroke prevention. But in quiet moments, one fear remains: that the void could return.

Kevin’s stroke came without warning on Christmas Eve – no classic symptoms, just a dull ache and sudden paralysis on his left side. Ten years later, he’s gone from uncertainty to advocacy, using his story to inspire others. He proves that light can emerge from even the darkest moments. Yet with every unfamiliar ache, a quiet fear remains – that everything could change in an instant, just as it did that night.