I am using my voice

By Stephanie Ho

New data shows that almost half of Sydney’s population, approximately 2.4 million people, would not be able to recognise if they or someone else was having a stroke.

I am using my voice to call on fellow Sydneysiders to learn about stroke and learn its most common symptoms.

I had a severe stroke at the age of 22. I had just entered the work force, having completed university the summer before. My stroke left me unable to talk, walk, use my right arm or see clearly. It took thousands of hours of intense rehab over two years for me to get my life back on track.

Stroke can strike at any age - not just later in life. Take me as an example; I was fit, young and healthy. What people are shocked by is the number of strokes per year (one every 19 minutes) and the severity of them.

In Australia, stroke is a leading cause of death and the number one cause of adult disability. Yet, despite these alarming stats, 47% of Sydney residents can't name a single sign of stroke.

Seconds matter when someone is having a stroke, the more time that passes the more of their brain will die. If you can recognise a stroke when it is happening, you can save someone's life.

It is imperative, and in our best interests, to care for loved ones and our communities. If you ever see someone who has facial droop, can’t lift both arms or has difficulty speaking, please call triple 000 immediately.

Please help me to spread this F.A.S.T. message on social media, and tag in any people who live in Sydney that you know.

It could be the difference between life or death for someone.