Christmas means much more than it used to for Albury mother-of-two Meegan Allen. The 36-year-old had a stroke while she was at work in November of 2020.
“I went to the fridge and as I turned back, the world started to spin, the light became blindingly white, and I began to collapse,” Meegan said.
“I was alone in the lunchroom at the time. I could hear my colleagues, but the door was shut, and I couldn’t get up to let them know that I was in trouble.”
After a series of tests in hospital, Meegan was told she’d had a stroke.
“It was a huge shock. I didn’t realise young people had strokes. But I know I’m one of the lucky ones to have made such a good recovery,” she said.
“My advice to others is, when in doubt, get it checked out. You are replaceable at work, but you are not replaceable in your home, with your family, or as a mum.
“Sometimes it takes something significant like a stroke to make you re-evaluate your decisions and remind you what’s important in life. Now Christmas means so much more to my family.”
An Australian has a stroke every 19 minutes. Around 20 strokes a day impact working aged Australians, aged between 18 and 65.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy said Meegan’s story is a reminder that stroke can happen to anyone, at any time.
“It doesn’t matter if it is Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, a wedding or any other special occasion, don’t put off calling an ambulance because you’re worried about upsetting family celebrations,” Dr Murphy said.
“When a stroke strikes, it attacks up to 1.9 million brain cells per minute. Calling triple zero (000) at the very first sign of stroke is the first step in helping someone get the time-critical medical help they need. It gives them the best chance of a good outcome.
Dr Murphy also urged people to regularly check in on relatives and friends who may be alone over the festive season.
“Pop in for a quick visit if you can. Ensure they know the F.A.S.T. message and to call triple zero (000) in an emergency. The worst thing people can do is ignore the signs or try to sleep them off”.
