My origin story: I was born in Vila Franca do Compo, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal. I have lived in Nanaimo for 37 years.

My age: I’m 70 years young; there are days I feel 45 and others when I feel much older.

Occupation: I was a bookkeeper but I’m now retired.

My stroke and heart health story

At the time of my trauma, I was a 58-year-old. I was a person in good health, or so I was told and thought. That was until January 31, 2011, when I was curling and felt a pop in the middle of my chest that didn’t seem right. I had a hard time breathing, my vision went blurry and I felt cold. From the time of getting off the ice to the lobby area, I had a stroke! I knew it by the way I was speaking.  My words made no sense at all.

I was taken to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital Emergency at 10 pm by ambulance.  The Emergency doctor wasn’t sure what was wrong. They were going to wait a few more hours to do blood tests to rule out a heart attack. But during that waiting period, my blood pressure and body readings were out of control. The doctors didn’t know what was causing this. They thought it might be a case of angina.

Flown to Victoria for high-risk surgery

A CT scan was scheduled for the morning (12 hours later) and revealed that my aorta had ruptured. This was much more serious than anyone had anticipated. My husband was told the mortality rate was very high.

I was flown by air ambulance to Victoria’s Royal Jubilee Hospital where I underwent open heart surgery. The heart surgeon, Dr. Lynn Fedoruk, told my husband that I had a five per cent chance of survival. That was 12 years ago.

Second stroke during heart surgery

Unfortunately, I had a second stroke during the heart surgery, which left me unable to use my left arm, hand and leg. I had memory loss and other normal functions were missing. But I began therapy and regained mobility quickly with hard work.

I started therapy for the stroke on a Monday and I worked extremely hard. By Thursday that week, I was retested and had gained 95 per cent usage of my motor functions back.

I continued to work at my recovery every day. My disability doesn’t show on the outside surface. The outside looks great, but the inside is still healing. It’s still a work in progress.

What are the benefits of belonging to the Nanaimo Heart Sisters?

After returning home, I felt alone, even though I had a loving and very supportive husband and children. They just couldn’t understand what I was going through.

I went through a period of depression, which I later found out is very normal. I was lucky to find Diane Shipclark of the Heart Sisters to talk to. The Heart Sisters are a group of ladies in Nanaimo that are heart and stroke survivors. I found the understanding I needed from these strong women.

We meet once a month to connect and support one another. I no longer feel alone. I believe there was a purpose for me being given a second chance at life. I am going to run with it and not feel sorry for myself and wonder “Why me?”, and “Will it happen again?” Life is too short.

I am lucky to be able to have cared for my 90-year-old mother after my surgery, a very strong woman and also a heart survivor. I’m able to still share lots of laughs and unforgettable memories with my family and friends.

I also gave back to the community by working with Deborah Rusch of the Heart & Stroke Foundation with a program called Living with Stroke for many years as a facilitator. I helped other heart survivors with their health journey by living as a survivor and letting them know they are not alone in their journeys.

NOTE: It is with heavy hearts we announce that our heart sister Isabel passed away suddenly on October 10, 2024, after courageously battling cancer. She will be missed for her big heart, quick wit and beautiful smile. Rest in peace, dear Isabel.