A young Adelaide survivor of stroke who was told he may never speak again has defied doctors’ odds and is now preparing to release his debut album.
Jesse Johnson was just 25 when a stroke, caused by an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), changed his life. He recalls waking up in hospital, unable to move or talk.
“I had to re-learn the most basic things, including breathing, blinking and swallowing. My movements were uncoordinated, my voice was impaired, but I was determined to redefine my destiny,” Jesse said.
“My family were told to prepare for the worst. They said I was unlikely to survive, and if I did, I would have a poor quality of life.”
After eleven days in the Intensive Care Unit, Jesse began to make some progress. He had a tracheotomy tube inserted and began communicating via a white board. Jesse was moved to a rehabilitation hospital where he spent the next seven months.
“That’s where I really discovered music. It became my sanctuary, my form of expression and a source of strength,” he said.
Almost six years on, Jesse continues to use music as a form of therapy and now regularly sees a music coach who has helped encourage him to follow his dreams. Jesse’s now crowdfunding in an effort to fund the $30,000 needed to produce and distribute the album.
“I want to make this album to share my story. I have gone from silence to singing, from fear to hope. This album is more than just a series of songs, it’s a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of breaking barriers,” he said.
“I no longer celebrate my birthday. I celebrate my ‘re-birth day’ which is the day I had my stroke. I’ve changed my name to J C Pride and think of myself as a completely different person than I was before my stroke.”
Stroke Foundation Acting Chief Executive Officer Sarah Meredith commended Jesse for his efforts in his stroke recovery.
“Unfortunately, it’s a common misconception that stroke only happens to the elderly, but that’s simply not true. Stroke does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone, at any time. In fact, 24 per cent of strokes are experienced by working aged Australians,” Ms Meredith said.
“Stroke touches too many families. We know an Australian has a stroke every 19 minutes. But they can be prevented and treated if you seek medical help quickly.
“Call triple zero (000) at the first sign of stroke. This vital action is the first step in helping someone get the time-critical medical help they need, and it gives them the best chance of a good outcome.
Life doesn’t end after stroke, Jesse is an outstanding example of many in our community who are living well after stroke and making a huge difference for others.”
