It was an incredibly ordinary night,

one in which I had "just another" headache forcing me to leave my job as a social worker to retire to my dark bedroom to seek relief. Little did I know, this night was far from ordinary. In fact, it would be the night in which my entire life changed in an instant. 

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On October 25th, 2018, I nearly died at the age of 30 due to a massive stroke. The cause of the stroke: Stress. 

 

Although as a social worker and crisis therapist I was using my voice to support others who were not able to speak for themselves, I would completely lose the ability to speak, read, write, and move. I soon became a person whose life depended upon others speaking and advocating for me. 

 

When I found out that my stroke was completely preventable, I was on a mission; that mission soon became Stroke of Luck. Although I could not yet read or write, I realized that something had to be done to increase stroke awareness practices in others to prevent further strokes from happening. Four months after my stroke, while in speech therapy, the concept of Stroke of Luck was fully developed, and I am so proud of how many lives we have saved thus far. 

 

I am here to help. I am here to tell you that your life is worth it. 

With Love and Luck,

Jeri Ward

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