Stroke Struck, But Music Healed: Jenny’s Incredible Journey Back to Life

Jenny Sheldon was a lively and passionate school teacher, specialising in Drama and English, whofound joy in inspiring her students every day. Singing was one of her greatest loves being a former jazz singer, and she thrived in the classroom, sharing her enthusiasm with the young minds she taught.

But everything changed in 2007, when a life-altering stroke turned Jenny’s world upside down.

Jenny suffered a left hemisphere cerebrum stroke and couldn’t speak. One of the F.A.S.T signs of stroke: Face, Arms, Speech, Time, became aphasia - a language disorder that impairs speaking, understanding, reading, and writing, despite preserved cognitive function, which is common after stroke.

“I was very depressed; I was in black hole I couldn’t get out of. Imagine being a teacher and not able to say a simple sentence!”.

After losing her ability to speak, Jenny found solace and healing through singing and believes it was singing that saved her.

“It was a long road spending three months in rehab. I used to be a member of Northern Rivers Choir, and they came to sing at the centre and from then I was determined to make the most of my life”.

Jenny chose to write a book – not just any book, but the story of her life called - ‘I Will; A Memoir of Stroke, Renewal and the Power of Song’.

Co-authored with Sharon Dean – a former colleague Jenny knew from Northern Rivers, the memoir details Jenny’s transformation over a decade of rehabilitation, from battling severe depression and communication struggles to rediscovering her voice through music and overcoming immense challenges.

Jenny Sheldon pictured with the book she wrote after having a stroke.

The narrative captures the triumph of the human spirit, offering hope and strength to others facing similar adversities.

Stroke Foundation CEO, Dr. Lisa Murphy, says, “Jenny’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and determination, and it shows the importance of investing in evidence-based rehabilitation and recovery supports for survivors of stroke.”

Around 46,000 Australians of all ages experience a stroke every year. Whilst around 80 percent of strokes may be prevented, when a stroke does occur, every minute counts as it attacks 1.9 million brain cells every minute. It is vital to ensure survivors of stroke, their families and carers receive the supports they need to navigate the challenges of recovery.

The Living Well After Stroke Program delivered by Stroke Foundation (with the support by the Australian Government), is just one of many programs and resources available to empower stroke survivors with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage their health, prevent secondary strokes and develop skills to not just survive but thrive after their stroke.

A fundraising book launch event will take place on Sunday 16 March, from 3-6pm at Smith’s Alternative, Canberra, ACT.