A testament to courage and resilience
From Glenda and Chris
On a quiet morning during a holiday with long-time friends, Chris woke up with an unusual sensation in his right arm, but he thought it was due to the uncomfortable bed he was sleeping on.
He didn’t know that this was the beginning of a stroke. It was only when he went to say something, and he struggled to speak, that he realised something more serious was going on.
Chris says, “After a few minutes in the bathroom I heard my friend’s wife and walked out to say, ‘Good morning’ and realised I couldn’t talk. She called out to her husband and rang an ambulance - the paramedics arrived about 30 minutes later.”
Chris was rushed to the theatre, where medical teams worked urgently to stabilise him. I was petrified because by then we knew we were probably having a stroke.
I am eternally grateful that our friends acted quickly in calling an ambulance. It was crucial in getting Chris to Logan Hosptial for treatment in time and probably saved his life.
Chris was left with right-side hemiplegia, aphasia and apraxia.
He says, “It’s the aphasia and apraxia that are the hardest to deal with. Not being able to communicate as I used to is significant. Not only do I find it difficult to speak, my writing due to a lack of dexterity, reading and comprehension have been impacted as well.”
“These impacts nip at my heels every day, but I am thankful that I can continue to work in a smaller capacity. I find easy tasks manageable, but when I must have a phone conversation whoa – that's hard.”
Recently his daughter got married, and Chris, being the father of the bride, decided it was too important not to stand up and make a speech. I watched him practice and work through the jitters of giving a speech like that in to so many people.
I am proud of my husband every day, but I think I was most proud of him the day he made that speech. It makes me emotional just writing this. Honestly, you could have heard a pin drop – he was brilliant.
Chris says, “My daughter asked me to make a speech, and I wanted to do the best job that I could. It was the first time in 13 years all my daughters and grandchildren were in the same room. At one stage I looked out and saw the emotion in the eyes of my family, it felt bloody good giving that speech. It was a big milestone for us all.”
Chris has come a long way. In the beginning he couldn’t say his own name and was limited in his movements. His positive attitude and unwavering determination continue to inspire those around him.
Being part of UPLIFT research trial played a big part in getting Chris to where he is today. I learned about this trial whilst Chris was still in hospital. We felt it was important that he continue therapy asap as it is crucial to stimulate the brain in those first few months. We thought that being part of this research project could be beneficial for his recovery, and a way to access support that would otherwise not be available to us at that time. We are both very happy that we did it. Through the UPLIFT trial, Chris still meets with a 3rd year speech therapist once a week.
If you want to know more about what research trials are available, call StrokeLine 1800 787 653, or EnableMe. I did a lot of searching online and talking to people at the hospital about the best one for Chris to be involved in.
For me, Chris's story is a testament to courage and resilience. Through setbacks and triumphs, he navigates each day with determination and optimism, supported by loving family and friends who celebrate his achievements.
For families facing similar challenges, Chris says, “Patience and understanding are vital, both to yourself and from others. Stroke affects people differently, and educating yourself about its effects can feed a supportive environment which is crucial for recovery.”