City: Hilo, HI

Brain Injury:
My ischemic stroke occurred in 2009, and I was 48 years of age. At that time I had no concept of what a strokes was, for none of my friends or relatives had ever had a stroke. The left side of my body had gone limp, and I couldn’t remember how to use the phone (and couldn’t speak anyway), so I just sat and waited for someone to find me. Unfortunately, no one found me for 14 hours so most of my stroke symptoms became permanent.

Explanation of Mask:
My “Mask” exemplifies some of my acquired disabilities. In addition to becoming partially paralyzed on one side of my body, my brain function was altered. I also have acquired a form of aphasia, both of my eyes are no half blind, and my left carotid artery is completely blocked off.
In spite of what has happened as result of the stroke, my happiness has never waned due to the support of my loved ones. In fact, my level of happiness and contentment has actually increased through the simplification of my life, and my personal accomplishments continue to grow. We have the choice to do our best with the hand we are dealt. My gratefulness for what I still have flourishes!