A Survivor’s Journey from Stroke to Strength
An Unexpected Fall
A Normal Morning Turned Into a Life-Altering Event
On December 9th, 2022, my life changed forever. I was brushing my teeth, going about my morning routine like any other day, when everything suddenly turned black. Unbeknownst to me, I had suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm- a condition I didn’t even know I had. As I collapsed, I struck my head on the sink and again on the floor.
By the grace of God, my mother was in the house. She heard the fall and rushed to find me unconscious. Her quick action to call 911 may have saved my life. When the ambulance arrived, the trained paramedics immediately recognized the severity of the situation and transported me to Methodist Hospital in The Woodlands, TX.
Trapped in Silence
A Three-Month Coma and a Long Road Ahead
Shortly after arriving at the hospital, I slipped into a deep coma that would last for approximately three months. During this time,
I experienced a massive brain bleed and required the surgical placement of a VP brain shunt to regulate the flow of blood and cerebrospinal fluid in my brain and spine.
The rupture, combined with the pressure from the bleeding, caused a traumatic stroke that permanently affected the entire left side of my body. When I finally awoke, I had no idea what had happened to me. I was confused, emotionally devastated, and physically unrecognizable to myself. I felt abandoned, unsure of what my future would look like.
Hope Awakens
Finding Hope in the Pain
I slowly began to piece together what had happened through the support of family and friends. The shock of waking up to a different body and life was immense. But in the darkness, I felt God’s presence. Through His mercy and strength, I began to make a mental and emotional recovery, even while my physical healing had just begun.
God showed me the way back—not to the life I had before, but to a new kind of life, full of purpose. His grace helped me trade despair for hope, and sadness for determination. Through Him, I returned to the light.
Fighting to Reclaim Life
The Rehabilitation Chapter
I was transferred to Nexus Neuro Recovery Center in Conroe, TX, where I spent eight months as an inpatient, followed by three more months as an outpatient. The journey was grueling. I had to relearn how to walk, brush my teeth, toilet, and even dress myself after a shower. These simple tasks had become daily battles—but I pushed forward.
With every small victory came a renewed sense of strength. Through faith, patience, and the support of therapists and loved ones, I reclaimed pieces of my independence. My journey was slow, but I was never alone.