Territory Mum Survives Stroke Thanks to Life-Saving Knowledge

When Darwin mum-of-two Seufung Foreman began feeling light-headed and dizzy during her workday, she knew something wasn’t right. Moments later she told her colleagues to call triple zero (000) immediately. She had recognised the signs of stroke — and that decision may have saved her life.

“I felt my face drooping, my speech was slurred and my body weakened,” Seufung said. “I learned those could be signs of a stroke, and I’m so grateful I knew what to look for.”

Seufung, a former NT Government policy officer, had been diagnosed in 2017 with Moyamoya disease — a rare condition that causes blood vessels in the brain to become narrowed or blocked and significantly increases the risk of stroke. Despite Seufung’s medical history and the fact that her mother and twin sister also live with Moyamoya disease, Seufung’s stroke still came as a complete shock.

“I kept up with my check-ups and thought I was doing everything right. But stroke doesn’t always give you a warning,” she said.

Seufung experienced a haemorrhagic stroke — a bleed on the brain — and was placed in a coma for one month. She spent another six months in hospital undergoing intensive rehabilitation. Now 45, she continues to live with paralysis on her left side, vision loss, aphasia (difficulty with speech) and relies on daily care and therapy.

   

But despite losing her career and independence, Seufung remains hopeful and determined to help others in the Northern Territory understand the importance of knowing the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke.

“Up here in the Territory, we don’t have the same stroke resources and support services as the major cities,” Seufung said. “That’s why knowing the signs of stroke is so critical. Time is everything.”

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, commended Seufung for speaking out.

“Seufung’s story is a powerful reminder that stroke can strike anyone, anywhere — even people who are young, fit, and managing a known health condition,” Dr Murphy said. “Because Seufung recognised the F.A.S.T. signs and acted immediately, she received life-saving care. That kind of stroke awareness saves lives.”

Dr Murphy urged all Territorians, especially those with known risk factors like high blood pressure, heart conditions or genetic conditions like MoyaMoya disease, to prioritise regular health checks and learn the common signs of stroke.

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