Sarah reclaims life on her terms

This year Blenheim woman Sarah Whinham quietly marked a decade since suffering multiple strokes.

Her story is one of that represents not only survival but also determination, growth, and healing.

On Thursday, June 26, Stroke Aotearoa NZ will hold a Life After Stroke workshop at Connect Church Hall in Beaver Rd, helping people such as Sarah through the trauma of suffering a stroke and the ensuing recovery.

To honour her 10-year milestone, Sarah decided to share her story, saying, “I know I’m not alone in this journey. Stroke can feel isolating, but I hope my experience resonates with others and reminds them that stroke does not define us”. 

To most people, I may look completely “normal” — but the internal battle remains.

It’s good to raise awareness that brain injuries are often invisible, but very real.  Balancing without a functioning cerebellum is no joke!

I believe the F.A.S.T. acronym should be B.E.F.A.S.T.—Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. Know the symptoms. Make sure your doctor takes you seriously. 

What I’ve learned:

• Never give up: Your mind is your most powerful tool.
• Listen to your body: Trust your instincts. Demand answers.
• Celebrate the small wins: That first walk on the beach on that uneven surface felt like climbing Everest.
• Be kind to yourself: Recovery is hard and very slow. Focus on what you can do.
• Take charge of your recovery: No one else can do it but you

Some days are still tough. My body overreacts to injuries, I have nerve pain and I fall often when I’m stroke fatigued. But I find joy in the small things now. I focus on what makes me and my boys happy. That’s my anchor.  With stubborn determination and support, we can rebuild our lives.

Keep an eye out for Sarah's full story in an upcoming addition of the Marlborough Magazine.