Proud Noongar man shares his stroke survival story to raise awareness

West Australian man, Justin Kickett, never thought he would one day have to learn how to walk and talk again.
 
“It was a slow process, I just wanted to get back to work as fast as I could.”

In 2004 the 32-year-old had a stroke. He was at home in Parmelia when his wife noticed something was wrong.

“She said I was walking funny and as I was trying to drink a glass of water it was running down the side of my face. She said I had to go to straight to hospital and that was really scary for me at the time.”

Justin was taken to hospital, where he spent around one month recovering. He lost his ability to walk and talk but with time and perseverance, they returned.

The father-of-four can no longer use his right arm, but it hasn’t stopped him from doing the things he loves, including playing with his six grandchildren.   

Now, the proud Noongar man is sharing his experience as part of National Reconciliation Week to spread awareness in his community and hopes, by doing so, he can save a life.  

“Always go to your doctor and check your health and try to give up smoking if you smoke. ”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are 1.5 times more likely to die from stroke as non-Indigenous Australians.

Stroke Foundation CEO Sharon McGowan says regular check-ups are crucial.  

 “One-third to a half of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their 30’s, 40s, 50s and 60s are at increased risk of heart attack and stroke so regular check-ups with a GP for risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are important to ensure they’re identified early and can be addressed.”

Stroke Foundation’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is currently being developed with passionate ambassadors like Justin who have personal experience of stroke and under the guidance of Reconciliation Australia, the lead body for reconciliation. 

The RAP will support and maintain meaningful opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in their communities and is an important part of Stroke Foundation’s focus on improving health outcomes for Indigenous people.

Justin’s story is featured in Stroke Foundation’s Our Stroke Journey booklet – a resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It covers everything people need to know about life after stroke, including stories from survivors, families, and health workers.