February is HEART month! Bringing fundraising and awareness for issues of the HEART.  When you think of a stroke often people think of brains because that's often where the effects take place.  But a STROKE is often a sign of a heart issue. 

Not everyone will know, but in 2016 I had my first of 2 stroke episodes.  One, considered a mini-stroke, was diagnosed as a strange occurrence that would likely not happen again.  But April 15th 2017 I had my second stroke, this time spending 4 days in the hospital and 6 weeks in speech therapy to regain the ability to speak clearly. 

After this stroke the investigations were more extensive and it was eventually discovered that I had a giant hole in my heart (called a PFO) which was allowing blood clots to make their way to my brain causing the stokes.  December, 2018 I had open heart surgery to fix the problem for good and I've been so grateful for these past 2 years of great health. 

The Grand River Hospital Stroke unit was where I spent my hospital stay and continued my speech therapy through their out-patient program through Freeport.  I'm so incredibly grateful for their support and care during that time.  It was an incredibly scary time not knowing what the issue or the long-term effects were going to be.  

As a gesture of this gratefulness please join me in supporting this fundraiser to further the ability to care for stroke patients at Grand River Hospital.  If you, or someone you know, has been effected by, or is at risk of, a stroke please consider making a donation.  

Grand River Hospital Foundation raises funds to help Grand River Hospital provide exceptional health care. With the support from generous donors and loyal community partnerships, Grand River Hospital Foundation is able to grant funds for medical equipment and technology; renovation projects; and local clinical and health research and education. The commitment to health care in our region ensures that the residents of Waterloo Region and Guelph Wellington will have access to the best health care services close to home.