Pages, Pillows, and Perseverance - Desney King’s Stroke Survival Story

Desney King, a Woollahra local, had no warning before stroke caused her life to change forever.

One moment, she was deeply immersed in editing a manuscript at her desk, something she had done countless times throughout her career as a book editor and lecturer. The next, a strange, heavy sensation flooded her body, draining every ounce of her energy. Her lip went numb, and she knew something was very wrong and she needed to get to hospital immediately. Arriving at hospital, she was admitted to a stroke ward and receiving urgent treatment.

After experiencing three strokes over two years, culminating in a major stroke in 2014, Desney’s world shifted in ways she never imagined. Once envisioning a retirement filled with creativity and adventure, she now lives with ongoing fatigue, mobility, cognitive and sensory overload and balance challenges that keep her propped up on pillows in bed. But while her body slowed down, her passion for storytelling never wavered.

Despite these profound setbacks, Desney remains a storyteller at heart. Through her memoir-in-progress and her online presence, Life on the Bed with Desney, she shares a deeply personal and unfiltered glimpse into life after stroke. Her raw, heartfelt reflections, often infused with humour, offer encouragement and connection to others navigating life-changing health conditions.

Stroke Foundation CEO, Dr. Lisa Murphy, commends Desney’s unwavering spirit.
"Desney’s strength and determination are truly inspiring. Her story is a powerful reminder of resilience, hope, and the impact of sharing our experiences."

Over 45,000 Australians experience a stroke every year (one stroke every 11 minutes), and there are over 440,000 Australians survivors of stroke living around the country. Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability.

Importantly, one in four stroke survivors will experience a second stroke within five years, but many secondary strokes are preventable with the right treatment and lifestyle changes.

“Desney’s experience is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of strokes, whether primary, secondary, or multiple, and reinforces why awareness and prevention are absolutely critical,” Dr. Lisa Murphy added.

Though her strokes reshaped her world, they did not diminish her purpose. Now a grandmother and published author, she treasures the moments she shares with her children and grandchildren while continuing to contribute through her writing.

Desney’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and creativity in the face of life’s most profound challenges. She invites readers to follow her story, engage with her experiences, and embrace the possibilities that exist beyond adversity.

With stroke, every minute counts, and the sooner paramedics arrive, and treatment begins, the better one’s chance of surviving and maintaining a good quality of life.

Follow Desney’s Journey:
- Instagram: @desneykingauthor
- Facebook: Life on the Bed with Desney