Gina's Story

Gina Wilson from Melbourne understands the devastating impact stroke can have on families all too well after her mother, Joyce, had a stroke when Gina was a baby.

It was around 1949 and stroke paralysed 37-year-old Joyce down her right side. She walked with a limp, lost the use of her hand and her speech was affected at times.

Gina recalls special moments with her mum like going to theatre together and enjoying the excellent meals she prepared, despite her disability.

“Sadly, stroke came back to haunt mum again and again,” Gina said.

“It is a cruel disease and each stroke left mum more incapacitated. She died just before I turned 21. It was terrible to lose her so young.”

Sadly, Gina’s mum wasn’t the only person close to her who was impacted by stroke.

“One of my best friends, Helen, also experienced a stroke,” Gina said.

“It robbed her of her independence and changed her life dramatically”.

Gina and her husband are leaving a legacy for future generations of Australians impacted by stroke through gifts in their Wills.

“I have chosen to support Stroke Foundation to help fund programs and vital research that could have helped my mother and Helen receive better treatment and live better lives after their strokes."

“I want to make a difference for others in the future.”