One day, stroke will no longer have the power to cause serious disability.
Emeritus Professor Linda Kristjanson AO
President, Stroke Foundation David Brownbill Bequest Society Ambassador
“Just like many Australians, I’ve seen first-hand, the devastating impact of stroke.
As a young nurse in the early days of my working life, I cared for people who had a stroke; and as a palliative care expert years later, I met many more survivors of stroke, their carers’, and loved ones.
I lost my grandmother to a cerebral haemorrhage. But the most profound experience was watching how stroke affected my uncle. He was the CEO of a large company, actively involved in civic life, and a generous philanthropist – until stroke took away many of the things he loved.
Unfortunately, the effects of stroke forced his retirement and curtailed his volunteer community work. He was confined largely to his home; and needed help to simply dress or eat. His understandable frustration and grief at all that he had lost greatly affected him, and deeply impacted many others in our family.
I’ve been through the process of updating my own Will recently, prompted by personal reflection about the things that matter most in my life. Gratefully, it’s been possible to not only prioritise my loved ones, but also include a legacy gift to the Stroke Foundation.
It was extremely easy to amend my Will, and it’s a comforting feeling to know my affairs are in order and that my Will reflects my wishes and personal values.
I am determined that together we can prevent stroke, treat it, and offer a promising way forward. One day, stroke will no longer have the power to cause serious disability. Stigma, fear and misunderstanding about stroke will become a thing of the past – replaced by knowledge, care and support.”