Kelsey Gronow was out doing what she loves when stroke struck

Kelsey Gronow was out doing what she loves, parkrun – when her stroke happened. 

I began to feel unwell towards the end of the 5km run. I decided to push on to the finish line where I knew my family were waiting. My mother who has been First Aid trained took one look at me and knew something was seriously wrong. She thankfully knew the signs F.A.S.T. My Face was dropping on one side, I was losing feeling in my Arm and could not Speak or communicate. Mum knew Time was crucial. We lived in Hervey Bay in regional QLD. Mum and Dad quickly got me into their car and drove me the 5-10 minutes to Hervey Bay Hospital. I was treated for stroke straight away, taken straight into Emergency and taken care of. I don’t have much recollection of the day that changed everything in my life. I do however, remember how well looked after I was once taken up to the Stroke ward. The hospital staff were simply amazing and I really felt they were taking particular care of me for no particular reason. By the time we made it to the hospital I had no feeling in my left arm or leg. The daily visits from the hospital physiotherapist helped me with that. Sadly nothing can help my memory deficit but I am alive and loving life because of the help and support of so many.

I am thankful for so many things in my life. Thankful Mum new the F.A.S.T signs, thankful to the incredible staff at Hervey Bay Hospital, thankful for my 2 boys and loving family and friends who have been by my side and thankful to the Stroke Foundation especially the StrokeLine Team who supported me, answering all my questions and providing advice. Even now, every time I have a migraine, I fear another stroke. Though now, my boys also know the F.A.S.T signs and I know and I can call the StrokeLine team anytime.

My very protective, amazing sons and I have since started a new life in Far North Queensland. I still go to parkrun every Saturday, and have now completed 153 parkrun. Rehabilitation and recovery would not have been as strong without my weekly parkrun event. Pushing my wheelie walker for 5km until I was able to walk unassisted. Now I’m 47kg lighter, I run it and I am training for a half marathon next year. So while my family, friends and an incredibly supportive and understanding boss, and parkrun helped with physical and emotional recovery, the StrokeLine team helped me with the mental recovery, which is a far greater issue than most people realise. 

After having a stroke, it is very easy to feel like your whole life has been turned upside down and falling apart, in many ways mine had. I knew very little about Stroke, effects and what help is out there for Stroke survivors and their families. That is why I feel compelled to help raise awareness of Stroke in my community through doing the Stride4Stroke.

Yes, I still have some residual effects from my Stroke. Yes, I know that it all takes time. But without F.A.S.T being recognised by my Mum and Dad, which most certainly saved my life, and the StrokeLine and the Stroke Foundation, I don’t think I would have made it this far.

It is now my honour and privilege to support them. Last year the StrokeLine team answered over 3,000 calls. It costs $1,225 to fund StrokeLine to answer calls for ONE day. Help me to help them be there for next year’s stroke survivors.