Sam Prunster’s life changed forever when she collapsed during the grand final of an indoor netball game in 2012.
The mum of five experienced a haemorrhagic stroke after a brain aneurysm (a bulge in a weak area in a blood vessel) ruptured causing bleeding in her brain. Sam was rushed to Geraldton Regional Hospital and then flown to Perth for emergency treatment. While in hospital, she experienced two more strokes.
“I was in hospital for four and a half months. I didn’t know where I was or what was going on, I couldn’t recognise my own family,” Sam said.
“I was lucky there were people around me when it happened. If things had been different, I might not be here today.”
More than a decade on, Sam still lives with the effects of stroke, including weakness on her right side, fatigue and difficulty finding words.
“I’ve never fully recovered. Some days are harder than others. I still grieve parts of the life I had before my stroke,” she said.
“I want people to understand that stroke can happen to anyone, and I want survivors to know that you can survive. You have to keep moving forward, my motto is never give up, never give in.
Sam now participates in walking netball and has found new ways to stay active. This month, she is taking part in Stroke Foundation’s annual fundraiser, Stride4Stroke.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy urged all Aussies to get moving to reduce their risk of stroke and other chronic conditions.
“Stride4Stroke gives Australians a simple and inclusive way to get moving, raise awareness and help create a future with fewer strokes,” Dr Murphy said.
“You can stride anywhere, anytime, and in any way that gets you moving. Just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can reduce your risk of stroke by 25 per cent; and every dollar raised goes towards vital stroke prevention, research, recovery programs and advocacy.”
It comes as research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows nearly two in five Australian adults aged between 18 and 64 do not meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity (37 per cent).
“This equates to around 10.5 million Australians who are not getting the recommended amount of physical exercise. Being physically active is important for good health and wellbeing at any age and is one of the most simple and effective ways you can reduce your risk of stroke.”
