Anita Kerrison was working in her dream job when a stroke changed her life. A lover of the great outdoors, Anita was a healthy and active 49-year-old when her stroke struck in 2019.
“My stroke wasn’t diagnosed for three days when I lost all movement on my righthand side. I had undiagnosed high blood pressure that caused the stroke and that took eight months to get under control,” Anita said.
“I was so shocked that I had a stroke and was really upset I couldn’t work in the job I love. I remember saying to my friend, I feel broken, but I am not going to let this beat me.
“I was determined to get back to my active, adventurous self and with the amazing support of the health professionals, my family, friends and my determination to get back to my normal life, I was able to return to work six months later.”
For the past four years, Anita has participated in Stroke Foundation’s major annual fundraiser, Stride4Stroke. She’s aiming to walk around 6kms a day, or for a total of 100 minutes throughout November.
The annual fundraiser encourages Australians to get active to reduce their risk of stroke. Participants set an activity goal to increase their daily ‘moving minutes’ by walking, running, swimming, or cycling.
Anita is among the 11,000 survivors of stroke living in Tasmania.
“Volunteering with the Girl Guide Association, I am constantly educating people and talking about my stroke,” she said.
“I feel like I have a second chance at life, and I’m not going to waste it. I still suffer from fatigue, but I am determined to challenge myself to live life to the fullest and let people know that stroke can happen to anyone at any time.”
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy commended Anita for her efforts as part of her stroke recovery. She urged all Australians to follow in her footsteps by making their moves count this November.
“Research has shown that just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can reduce your stroke risk by 25 per cent,” Dr Murphy said.
“Stride4Stroke is a great starting point to make the changes that can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes which are all modifiable risk factors of stroke.”
Stride4Stroke runs throughout November. Every dollar raised will have an enormous impact by helping Stroke Foundation fight stroke, fund research and support survivors and their families at all stages of the recovery journey.
To support Anita, visit the website.
