We created this show because so many people just want to know they’re not alone. It’s important to understand that no two strokes are the same. While strokes are undeniably challenging, there’s always a chance to find something good that comes from the experience. Stroke Voices dives into the topics that matter most—diets, therapies, innovations, and conversations that can inspire real change in our lives. We’re thrilled to have you with us on this journey, as we navigate the path forward together. Thanks for joining us and enjoy the show!

 

 

Drew’s Stroke Story:

It was the afternoon of Halloween Day 2021. I was home alone waiting for a call from Crew Scheduling. My wife was in California at a wedding with mu two adult sons. I went for a 3.5-mile run. (Thank goodness I was living a healthy life!)

I have no memory of that run. I only recall “waking up” and realizing I was on the ground, I couldn’t move my left leg, and there’s a guy sitting across from me.

Apparently, he’d been driving down the street with his two young daughters (4 and 6) checking out the mailboxes. Our street had a Halloween mailbox contest. He says that as he passed where I was on the ground, one of his daughters said “Dad, there’s a man on the ground and looks like he needs help.”

So he parked his car, and came over to me. I guess I was awake. He asked me if I was okay. At this point I handed him my cellphone (I always run with my cellphone on my left arm), and I said “call 9-1-1 and tell them I’ve had stroke” (I don’t know how I had the presence of mind to do that), but the ambulance that responded was indeed a special truck (stroke unit) with a CAT scan. My head was imaged before I got to the ER. This guy who used my phone asked if he should call my wife. I said “Yes”

This was my conversation: “Hey, I’ve had a stroke and I’m not good” I ruined her day. The airline put her and my 2 sons on the next flight(s) home. Everything later is hazy for me. My wife got a call from the hospital physician who’d reviewed my head image. It was a massive bleed. She was told to prepare for the worst.

I was then heavily sedated – I had some crazy dreams that were quite disturbing – but already small miracles were happening.

Luckily I collapsed outside, and also someone found me. If it had happened inside my house or while I was flying, or on a Central American or South American or Caribbean layover, the outcome would have been worse. I was told by the surgeon who opened my head, that I am extraordinarily lucky or blessed: over 50% of people who have a bleed like mine don’t survive the ambulance ride.

My background – This happened to me at age 63. I was fit, and enjoyed running since high school. I had a career in the AF as a fighter pilot, and then a career as a Captain at a major airline. A piloting career like mine requires staying fit and regularly taking physical exams. I had no common risk factors for stroke. I was told that a ruptured AVM or AVF, probably congenital, and asymptomatic, had ruptured. The bleed was massive, and the AVM was quickly resected. Scans have revealed no other abnormalities.

 

 

 

Joe’s Stroke Story:

 

Tom’s Stroke Story and Bio: