It’s rare for 20 year olds to have suffered from five strokes, however, I am an exception to the norm. At the time of my last stroke at 17 years old, I had a constant, excruciating headache for two days. I was experiencing stroke symptoms that month, and just to be safe, I had a cerebral angiogram, which ultimately triggered the stroke. Once I opened my eyes my headache had disappeared, however, due to a retinal artery occlusion I was unable to see out of my right eye. It has been a long and difficult journey for me to come to accept that I am different and disabled. Due to my unique history I was immediately intrigued when I saw that UCLA Health – the hospital which has treated me since my first stroke at seven years old – was hosting a free Heart Health and Stroke Walk on Oct. 22.
The walk began at 8 a.m. at the Pasadena Rose Bowl, my friend Max who accompanied me out of support for both myself, and this very personal cause. With more than 5,000 people coming together and raising over one million dollars. There was a remarkable turnout with people of all ages and dozens of families adorning matching t-shirts in support of loved ones. It was incredibly powerful to witness how everyone remained determined to walk the three long miles around the stadium, no matter their pace.
One family wore matching red t-shirts displaying the words “Arianni Strong,” out of support for a young member of their family who has been personally affected by this cause.
“I’m walking for my daughter Arianni Skye,” said Suleima Gonzalez, who was leading the family’s stride. “She was born with a congenital heart defect, and it was detected when she was eight days old, and that’s when they diagnosed her, and that’s when she got open heart surgery at 12 days old.” Arianni’s story – who is currently eight months old and thriving – resonated with me, because it reminded me a lot of my own journey. Arianni is a fighter, which is what my mother would tell me when I was experiencing my own health battles.
My friend and I completed the walk in about 50 minutes, getting our exercise in while conversing with one another and other participants. The end of the walk was signified by a large red and white balloon arch, and finishers were met with a mariachi band playing jubilant music and many workers from the American Heart Association celebrating.In the background was someone speaking in the microphone sharing inspiring stories from heart attack and stroke survivors. It wasn’t until after the walk that I noticed a bell that survivors can ring to celebrate the completion of the walk. Max encouraged me to ring the bell, however, we were already so far from it, I decided not to.
“It’s nice to hear that you’re willing to share your story, because it helps us reinforce what we’re seeing and the work that we’re doing and the people behind the mission,” confided Juliette Martinez who serves as the Cup Community impact.
After entering the survivor tent, I shared that I was a stroke survivor, and was met with shock and excitement that my friend and I had participated in the walk. I have learned to talk about my disability in a nonchalant, joking way, because it often makes me feel outcast among my peers. It was refreshing to be in a space where my condition is normalized.
“We have a lot of support networks even, where you can meet people,” shared Laura Nichols, who serves as the head of development for the Heart and Stroke Walk “It’s so different to talk about, and you know everyone’s story is unique but some similarities would be good to talk about.” The encouragement that I received gave me the strength to ring the survivor bell before leaving.
Participating in this walk was extremely important to me, as I finally found a space where I found other people who understood what I have gone through, and did not make me feel like an outcast.