Column: Dr Watkins On World Stroke Day
[Column written by Dr Kimberley Watkins]
On World Stroke Day, a powerful gathering titled A Stroke of Genius brought together community members to shed light on the personal impacts of stroke and inspire collective action. I am thankful for the dedicated team Sandro Fubler and Jeshmi Pradhan at Evolution Healing Centre, as well as for Nicole Chichon-De Silva and Keith De Silva, for all their hard work and assistance in coordinating the event.
The event showcased remarkable stories of resilience and hope, leaving attendees both inspired and informed.The evening commenced at the picturesque waterfront venue, hosted by Kris Rego and Sponsored by Will Cox and the Waterfront group of companies. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as attendees prepared to hear powerful personal accounts of stroke survival and recovery.
Nicole took centre stage, bravely sharing her own stroke journey, which began on her trip to Oman. She recounted the challenges she faced during her rehabilitation, highlighting not just her own struggles but also the profound impact stroke has on families and communities. As she stood tall and recited her poignant poem, emotions ran high, and tears were brushed aside as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. She also recounted the signs of stroke she noted with facial drooping and slurred speech- something that is important to know, as every minute counts.
Photos courtesy of MOmentsbyjp3 Jeshmi Pradhan/posted with permission
The next impactful story came from Mr Mark Berry, a devoted caregiver for his wife, Isobel, who lives with aphasia and right sided paralysis following her stroke. Mark spoke passionately about their journey together, detailing the challenges he has faced as an advocate for Isobel’s needs. He emphasised the constant fight for resources and support, and the emotional toll it takes on caregivers.
There needs to be access and affordability for all. Although he noted that there is no higher calling than caring for the one you love, there is an effort required from the survivor and carer, such that “Minutes become Miles,” with every day a challenge. His heartfelt words resonated deeply within the room, illuminating the often-overlooked struggles of those who care for stroke survivors and reinforcing the importance of understanding the caregiver experience.
Next up was Mr Douglas Trott, who shared his journey of rehabilitation. He spoke candidly about the misconceptions surrounding recovery, emphasising that while rehabilitation is often discussed, the process is truly day by day. “The progress isn’t as quick as I thought it would be,” he admitted, explaining how he sets daily goals that remind him of achievements he never realised he could attain. Douglas also opened up about the significance of faith in his journey, sharing how his relationship with God has been a source of strength, helping him not only to recover but also to find ways to uplift others along the way.
The panel of experts next discussed various aspects of stroke and rehabilitation. A special thank you to Katie Brangham [Speech and Language Therapist from Elevate therapy], Hannah Jones [Senior Dietician and founder of Island Nutrition], Dr Meadipudi [Stroke Medical Director], and Kayla Stowe [Stroke Program Coordinator]. The audience engaged with the professionals and asked questions, alongside ongoing discussions on how services can be improved along the stroke care pathway.
The final few stories came from Kathydell Hayward-Ming, who shared her remarkable journey into the 18 years she has embraced her new life following her stroke. Through her challenges, she has remained steadfast in her love for God, her husband, and her family, which has been her guiding light. Kathydell opened up about the mental health challenges she has faced along the way, candidly describing the ups and downs of her journey. Yet, her resilience continues to inspire those around her, reminding everyone of the power of faith and love in overcoming adversity and pushing forward.
The final story of the evening was from Oscar Lightbourne, who shared his journey related to mental strength and fortitude. With a background in martial arts, Oscar explained how his mindset has played a crucial role in helping him push forward through challenges. He discussed his philosophy of D.I.M. [Develop, Implement, Maintain], emphasising how this approach has guided him in all aspects of his life, enabling him to focus on growth and resilience throughout his recovery.
The night also allowed participants to connect over shared experiences, as many bravely opened up on how stroke has affected their lives and those around them. The symbolic purple ribbon, a representation of stroke awareness, was presented to all attendees, reminding everyone of the importance of education, prevention, and support within the community.
As the night drew to a close, the message was clear: while the journey of stroke survivors can be daunting, it is made lighter through shared experiences, community support, and collective action. A Stroke of Genius was not just an event; it was a rallying call for awareness, understanding, and change. The community is encouraged to continue engaging in conversations about stroke prevention, recovery, and support to ensure that no one faces the challenges of stroke alone. I feel incredibly grateful to be part of the effort to make a difference for those affected by stroke. Together, we will make a lasting impact.
Please join us for our postponed park event on 7th November at Queen Elizabeth Park from 3-5 pm to learn the signs of stroke and ask professionals your questions.
- Dr Kimberley Watkins
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