Marys marathon stroke recovery
October 09, 2018
The Melbourne Marathon is a massive effort for most, but for nurse and stroke survivor Mary Wong the course is a challenge to be celebrated.
Twenty-months ago Mary couldn’t walk and on Sunday she will take on the 10 kilometre run.
“When you have a stroke, your whole life changes in an instant. I was 50 years old. I was a busy mum and nurse and I was also training for triathlons,” Mary said.
“I then found myself in a hospital ward where I had to learn to balance and walk again. Most days were filled with headaches, fatigue and frustration. I had to depend on family and friends for everyday tasks.
“I spent six months purely focusing on my recovery and had a goal to run again.
“Running makes me feel free. I am so proud of how far I have come,” Mary said.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan applauded Mary for her tenacity and commitment to her recovery, adding stroke was more common among Victorians of working age than many realised.
“There are almost 142,000 Australian stroke survivors of working age, most living with some form or ongoing disability,’’ Ms McGowan said.
“Stroke attacks the brain, the human control centre, and changes lives in an instant.
“Recovering from a stroke can be a long and extremely difficult journey impacting not only the survivor, but their loved ones too.
“The good news is with the right treatment at the right time, many people are able to recover and live well after stroke, Mary’s marathon effort is testament to what can be achieved.”
Mary is looking forward to working up a sweat on Sunday and encouraged other stroke survivors to keep pushing in their recovery, even if it felt like they’ve hit a plateau.
“Stroke brings physical and mental challenges. In my first attempt to return to work, I couldn’t concentrate so I had to give myself more time to heal. I also experienced self-doubt, but mindfulness, meditation and the support of a wonderful family and medical team were a huge help,’’ she said.
“If you’d have asked me 18 months ago whether I would be in this position to run 10 kilometres after my stroke, I would not have believed you, but here I am. My next goal is a half marathon in December.
“My husband and daughter, family and friends will all cheer me on at the Melbourne Marathon this Sunday. When times were tough and dark, their unconditional love, support and belief in me carried me through.”
Twenty-months ago Mary couldn’t walk and on Sunday she will take on the 10 kilometre run.
“When you have a stroke, your whole life changes in an instant. I was 50 years old. I was a busy mum and nurse and I was also training for triathlons,” Mary said.
“I then found myself in a hospital ward where I had to learn to balance and walk again. Most days were filled with headaches, fatigue and frustration. I had to depend on family and friends for everyday tasks.
“I spent six months purely focusing on my recovery and had a goal to run again.
“Running makes me feel free. I am so proud of how far I have come,” Mary said.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan applauded Mary for her tenacity and commitment to her recovery, adding stroke was more common among Victorians of working age than many realised.
“There are almost 142,000 Australian stroke survivors of working age, most living with some form or ongoing disability,’’ Ms McGowan said.
“Stroke attacks the brain, the human control centre, and changes lives in an instant.
“Recovering from a stroke can be a long and extremely difficult journey impacting not only the survivor, but their loved ones too.
“The good news is with the right treatment at the right time, many people are able to recover and live well after stroke, Mary’s marathon effort is testament to what can be achieved.”
Mary is looking forward to working up a sweat on Sunday and encouraged other stroke survivors to keep pushing in their recovery, even if it felt like they’ve hit a plateau.
“Stroke brings physical and mental challenges. In my first attempt to return to work, I couldn’t concentrate so I had to give myself more time to heal. I also experienced self-doubt, but mindfulness, meditation and the support of a wonderful family and medical team were a huge help,’’ she said.
“If you’d have asked me 18 months ago whether I would be in this position to run 10 kilometres after my stroke, I would not have believed you, but here I am. My next goal is a half marathon in December.
“My husband and daughter, family and friends will all cheer me on at the Melbourne Marathon this Sunday. When times were tough and dark, their unconditional love, support and belief in me carried me through.”