What is your story?

I had a stroke in August 2026, which was confirmed as cardio-embolic due to a problematic PFO valve. I’ve come to understand that others have also identified this as the primary cause of their strokes. I am in my early 40s, and it was an unexpected reminder that I am firmly in middle age. My son helped me get up from the floor after I felt unwell and needed to get some Advil from the counter. I ended up being rushed to a local hospital, where they initially thought I was having a migraine. The CT scan indicated sinusitis, and it wasn't until a month later that an MRI confirmed the stroke.

What would you tell the medical team, if you could now?

It was frustrating that the team at the hospital did not really listen to the severity of the situation and ruled it as a migraine, attempting to talk us out of getting a CT scan. When we asked for a CT, the medical team hesitated and almost talked us out of it. My neurologist has been and supportive throughout my treatment. You get bounced around many providers who look at particular angles in the situation, with some being more helpful than others.

What would you like those around you to know?

It has rocked my world and really changed how I perceive life. I'm getting better, but I now realize that the most important thing is my kids. My main aim is to get better so that my kids can have a dad they can be proud of. I am thankful that I am lucky, as it could have been a lot worse. In meeting others, I've seen some who have been severely affected by strokes, from aphasia to loss of movement. So, it's also about being grateful for where I am and hopeful for what the next phase is.