Be the Difference

When Johanna began exhibiting all of the signs and symptoms of stroke - face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech - she immediately sought help, but because she was so young, she was mis-diagnosed. No one thought she was experiencing a stroke, until weeks later when her primary care physician ordered additional tests and discovered what was going on. Her misdiagnosis became a mission to share her story so that others wouldn't have to fight her same fight.

A normal Saturday afternoon relaxing and watching football turned into something so much more. A headache led to arm weakness… then confusion and panic. Domico was having a stroke. He knew he needed help, but couldn’t articulate how to get it. His wife got him to the hospital quickly, and he received the care he needed. As a young, healthy person, stroke was the furthest from their minds. But stroke can happen to anyone, at any age.

As a budding journalist, Marcella was planning on a career as a storyteller. But when she experienced a stroke at the age of 22, Marcella's personal story changed. Thankfully, her father recognized the signs and acted F.A.S.T. to seek treatment for her stroke, enabling Marcella to open a new chapter in her life.

Jordan was a high school teacher, coach and in the prime of his life. He was training for the Brookings Marathon and experienced a stroke while on a training run. A bystander acted F.A.S.T. and called 911, getting Jordan the lifesaving care he needed. Today his life looks a little different, but he has used his experience to continue his mission as an educator and coach, inspiring others with his incredible story of survival.