I will never forget the night my life changed forever

By Tina

I’ll never forget the night my life changed forever.

It was March 2020, and I was sitting down to dinner with my husband and my aunt. We were chatting over a meal, and then suddenly… everything blurred. The last thing I remember is seeing their worried faces as my speech began to slur and one side of my face started to droop.

Thankfully, they didn’t hesitate. My husband recognised I was having a stroke and immediately called triple zero (000). His quick thinking, the paramedics, and the doctors who took over my care at the hospital saved my life.

When I woke up, I was already in a hospital bed. I could hear my husband quietly speaking with the doctor. My friends and family were gathered nearby, and the reality hit me—I was only 49. Stroke can strike at any age, without warning.

Since that night, life has been different. I live with permanent changes: my peripheral vision is impaired, I still struggle with speech, and some cognitive functions are harder than before. It’s a daily reminder of just how serious a stroke can be.

But I’ve always believed things happen for a reason. I share my story because maybe it will help someone else. Learning the signs of stroke, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and knowing it’s Time to call 000 - can truly save a life.

I’m proud of what I’ve been able to do since my stroke. I’ve shared my story through Stroke Foundation and in the Cranbourne/Berwick Star News, volunteered for clinical research with Monash University, fundraised through Stride4Stroke, and even joined community events where I’ve met politicians, multicultural leaders, and advocates for change.

Music has also been part of my therapy. Singing with famous artists on the Smule app, people like Adam Lambert, Calum Scott, LeAnn Rimes, Cyndi Lauper, and Air Supply, it has helped me rebuild my speech and confidence.

It hasn’t been an easy road. Accepting my vision loss, dealing with fatigue, navigating hidden disabilities, caring for my family while we’ve all faced health challenges, and even initially being rejected for the NDIS, for these moments have tested me. But I’ve learned to “Plan, Prioritise, and Pace” myself to avoid being overwhelmed.

My advice to others recovering from stroke is this: there is life after stroke. Stay positive, commit to your therapy, check your insurance, and connect with your community. Share your story - you never know who you might inspire.

I’m grateful to God for giving me another chance at life, to my husband and aunt for acting so quickly, to the paramedics and my entire stroke medical team, and to everyone—family, friends, colleagues, and organisations like Stroke Foundation, who have supported me along the way.

Every day is a gift. I live it with gratitude, faith, and a renewed focus on what truly matters: my family, my health, and the chance to help others.

My blog is dedicated to my Dad, who we miss everyday. 

A special thank you to:
My husband and my aunt, who were the first ones who noticed the symptoms of my stroke.

The paramedics, who quickly arrived at the scene and rushed me to the nearest hospital, and I was able to be treated quickly.

Stroke medical team (GP, Neurologist, Neuropsychologist, Occupational Therapist, Physio Therapist, Speech Therapist, Social Worker, Rehab Doctor, Psychologist) who are dedicated to monitor my recovery.

My last employer (Coles) as they support me and my family while I am making my initial recovery.

Filo care and Health Well Care who assisted me for my NDIS application and continuously assisting me and our family.

Stroke Foundation, supportive relatives and friends that are always still in touch with us.
And God, as He give me another life, lead me the way that I should rest, relax and change priorities to my faith, family and health.