On August 19, 2014, I was scheduled for surgery on an accidentally discovered AVM. I kissed my family and was wheeled into surgery not ever expecting what was to come. I was an active Special Education teacher with many pursuits which kept me very busy. My family reported they visited me after the embolization (I have no memory of this.) I was alert and talking.

When they visited me the next day, they realized something had changed – I had slurred speech, double vision, loss of all hearing and was unable to walk at all. It was determined that I had a stroke and spent 7 days in ICU and then was transferred to one of the country’s best rehab facilities – Kessler Rehab in Saddle Brook, NJ. I had a decision to make – stay in that wheelchair or fight like hell – and that is just what I did! I had lost a lot but at age 50, I was not ready to give up.

I spent three weeks there retraining my brain and body. When I went home, I continued therapy – extensive PT, OT, speech and cognitive therapy. My speech was back to normal, and I learned how to drive and walk again. I went back to work four months later using a forearm cane. Today, I wear double hearing aids and workout every day at home – my balance is compromised and I tire somewhat easily. So I know my limits and rest when necessary. I thank god for every day! I went on to teach ten more years and retired last June. God saved me for a reason and I am involved in several volunteer activities. My name is Cindy and I am a survivor.

The Niekro Foundation has benefitted me by providing so much great information and support.

My words of advice for others is ‘Give yourself grace with both successes and failures’.