Survivor Spotlight – Elizabeth Ferrell

One wouldn’t look at Elizabeth Ferrell and possibly think that just a few years ago she suffered from a massive Factor 5 stroke. But that is exactly what happened to her one night in January 2023. She was supposed to accompany her daughter to a swim meet but began feeling bad. She felt she just needed a nap but when she awoke discovered she was having a stroke. 

"I laid back down to go to sleep - and when I woke up there was a change," Ferrell said.

She discovered she had a Factor 5 stroke, which is a genetic blood clotting disorder that can develop from pregnancy. From there, the doctors wanted to get her up and moving and Elizabeth did just that.

She spent months in both physical and speech therapy and by late 2023 found herself driving again and getting back to her usual routine. 

Since having her stroke, Elizabeth has been an incredible advocate and spokesperson for the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. She has been a part of the Go Red for Women campaign and has shared her story for World Stroke Day and American Stroke Month. 

Her message to others is simple: stay strong.

"I want to get the word out to not be afraid," she said. "It's okay to have a stroke. It's okay  because you are a survivor and you will make it."