Jenny Hellyer, a passionate surfer with a deep connection to the ocean, faced an unexpected challenge during a routine family beach outing this January. The 43-year-old’s life took a dramatic turn when she began experiencing alarming symptoms after returning home.
“My leg felt like it had turned to rubber. I tried to walk, but it felt like a flag flapping in the breeze, and then it completely gave way. I also noticed a numbness creeping up the right side of my face,” Hellyer recounted.
Realizing she was having a stroke, Hellyer acted swiftly, calling an ambulance and urgently seeking medical attention.
“I just knew I had to get to the hospital quickly,” she said.
Following a month of intense rehabilitation in the hospital, Hellyer, a former state champion in stand-up paddleboarding, faced the daunting task of learning to walk again. Her enduring passion for the water fueled her determination to recover and return to her beloved sport.
“I just told myself, ‘Get out there. I can’t let the stroke beat me,'” she declared.
Hellyer’s perseverance paid off. Today, she is back on her board, catching waves along New South Wales’ northern beaches. “It feels great to be back out there in the lineup and doing what I love,” she shared.
Her story highlights National Stroke Week, which runs from August 5 to 11. During this period, Hellyer aims to raise awareness about stroke and the importance of recognizing its signs. The Stroke Foundation emphasizes the F.A.S.T. acronym—Face, Arms, Speech, and Time—as a critical tool in saving lives and ensuring timely medical intervention.
Dr. Lisa Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of the Stroke Foundation, underscores the importance of stroke awareness. “Knowing the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke saves lives. The quicker a stroke patient receives medical treatment, the better their chances of survival and successful rehabilitation.”
National Stroke Week is supported by major sponsor EMVision, along with supporting sponsors AbbVie and Precision Fundraising, all working together to advance public awareness and stroke prevention.
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