My Story

Throughout my life, I have had things happen that would crush the ordinary person, mother, and daughter. Yet, I’m still slaying life like the warrior I am. However, my trials and tribulations come with a cost. That cost sometimes buckles my knees, hits me in the gut, and takes me out of commission for a while. As I have come to learn, the important thing is to keep getting back up!

On December 6, 2014, at 36 years of age, I experienced a Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) stroke to the left hemisphere of my brain due to a dissection of my carotid artery.

This means my artery pulled away from itself causing blood to clot. The eight centimeter blood clot was then lodged in my brain. For my American friends, this is almost 3 inches- you’re welcome.

I was paralyzed on the right side of my body. I couldn’t walk, speak, see clearly, or even form complete thoughts. I was air lifted to California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) in San Francisco where Dr. Warren Kim performed a new procedure on me.

So new in fact, that my billing statement said, “Experimental Procedure.” I have since learned the term of this procedure- mechanical thrombectomy.

Many doctors from all over the nation referred to me as, “The Miracle Patient.” When the doctors entered my hospital room, they were in complete amazement of my “strength” and “determination” for both surviving the stroke and the procedure. I am now dedicated to helping others through a stroke, and hopefully avoid stroke all together.

I am currently a student at the California State University, studying communication and psychology. My expected graduation day is in May of 2022. During my education, I have learned terminologies for what I’ve experienced, theories that explain the reasons why I experienced those things, and even how my mind processes those experiences.

The reason for this blog is to share my knowledge. I will be talking about 3 distinct topics that I am immensely passionate about: Stroke, mental health, and my adventures post stroke.

My trials and tribulations were merely stepping stones for my growth as an educator, and a student. Many people have asked me what I want to do with my degrees. To be honest, I am 43 years old and have no clue what I want to be when I grow up. Maybe we will figure this out together!

When I’m not going to school, studying, or working, I love going outside and exploring Mother Earth. She is very therapeutic for the mind, body, and the soul. If you haven’t gone outside today, then get off your butt and do it! You won’t regret it, I promise.

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” ~Mark Twain

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