Kareela man William Lo on his advice for young stroke survivors
Young Australian survivors of what is considered an ‘old person’s affliction’ will now join a project helping other working-age Australians find their “new normal”.
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A Sutherland Shire man who suffered a stroke when he was just 17 will help other working-age Australians find their “new normal” after experiencing similar life-changing medical events.
Kareela man William Lo, 26, will join the Stroke Foundation Young Stroke Project’s Lived Experience Working Group to help younger Australians who have experienced strokes rebuild their lives.
“I was only a teenager when I had a stroke and I lost 80 per cent of my motor skills, which was a huge lifechanger,” Mr Lo said.
“I spent three months in hospital with left side paralysis and had to learn to walk again.”
The project, which is funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency, will help develop age-appropriate resources for younger stroke survivors.
“Stroke recovery can be like a full-time job,” Mr Lo said.
“Back then, there was a lack of information about life after a stroke – I had to be proactive
and ask therapists to explain what was happening and why so I could better understand my situation.”
Mr Lo was 17 and studying his High School Certificate when his life completely changed.
Stroke Foundation’s StrokeConnect national manager Jude Czerenkowski said there was currently very little age-appropriate information available for younger stroke survivors.
“Almost 90 per cent of younger stroke survivors have specific needs relevant to their stage of life, and they are telling us these needs are not being met,’’ Ms Czerenkowski said.
“The Stroke Foundation Young Stroke Project will aim to close those gaps and give younger people with stroke tools to empower them to live well.”
Mr Lo and the Lived Experience Working Group will help develop videos, podcasts and blogs to help connect with other younger stroke survivors and provide appropriate resources.
“With hard work and dedication over many years I am now quite independent,” Mr Lo said.
“I am able to walk by myself, use both hands and drive – I hope this project will deliver more clarity about recovery, giving people something more tangible than hope for the future.”
To find out more about the project or to register your interest visit youngstrokeproject.org.au/
STROKES AT WORKING AGE
• Around 20 strokes a day impact Australians under the age of 65.
• 142,000 stroke survivors are of working age.
• 96 per cent of young stroke survivors report having ongoing needs after their stroke.
• 88 per cent of young stroke survivors report unmet needs across health, everyday living, leisure activities, employment and finance – greater than older stroke survivors.