Strokes can strike at any age

By learning the F.A.S.T. warning signs, you just might save a life from a stroke. Knowing the warning signs of a stroke may be the difference between recovery and disability. Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech and Time to call 9-1-1.

For women, our twenties and thirties are filled with excitement and hope. For some, it’s about pursuing that dream job. For others, it’s settling down, having 2.5 kids, and living in the perfect house with a white picket fence.

While we all have this vision of what our 20s and 30s will bring, we also know the best-laid plans often come with bumps in the road. Through all of our ‘what-ifs’ and worries, one thing we’d never consider would be the possibility of having a stroke in this stage of life.

Jordan, 24

That would never happen. A stroke is something you worry about as you get older.

But, four Upstate women, all under 30 and perfectly healthy, can tell you that a stroke can happen to anyone and when you least expect it. Jordan Hamblen was 24 years old when she suffered two strokes that nearly took her life.

Candice, 28

After returning home from a recreational basketball game, Jordan’s normal evening took a turn for the worst. Misdiagnosed twice by the nearest emergency room, it was Jordan’s third trip to seek emergency assistance that resulted in life-saving emergency brain surgery.

Candice Reyes, a Greenville City Police officer, was 28 when she had her stroke. Like many stroke survivors, Candice’s stroke led to severe disabilities including losing her ability to walk and talk. Through hard work and nearly a year of rehab, Candice made a miraculous full recovery and is back on the force protecting our city.

Dani Rawcliffe and Lauren Smith were both in their 20s when symptoms began. Dani, a young mother and Lauren, a teacher, never thought when they arrived to the hospital that ‘stroke’ would be the diagnosis.

Dani, 26

For Dani, it was her husband urging her to seek medical attention that saved her life. For Lauren, although she displayed classic stroke symptoms, it took a week for a proper diagnosis.

While the series of events differ from story to story, one thing that remains consistent with all four women is each of them were either misdiagnosed or told they were too young to have a stroke. Jordan Hamblen says, “You have to be an advocate for your own health. If I would have accepted what the doctors originally told me, I wouldn’t be here today. A stroke can happen to anyone.”

According to the American Stroke Association, strokes are on the rise in young adults. Over the last decade, there’s been a 44 percent increase in the number of young adults hospitalized due to stroke. Experts say the increase is likely due to lifestyle factors including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Lauren, 28

But, in many cases, like those of these four Upstate women, there is never an explanation to why. The good news?

Eighty percent of strokes are preventable through maintaining a healthy lifestyle and knowing the signs and symptoms that can save your life.

Here are the signs and symptoms to look out for:

F – Facial Drooping

A – Arm Weakness

S – Speech Difficulty

T – Time to call 9-1-1

For Jordan, Candice, Lauren, and Dani, they may never know what caused their strokes, but they’ve gained a new perspective on life. Through it all, their biggest take away and biggest piece of advice is know the signs, know your body, and be your best advocate.

For more information about the signs and symptoms of stroke, visit www.strokeassociation.org.