Moyosore Ayah, founder of new WSO stroke support organisation member, IDA Stroke Awareness Foundation in Nigeria, tells us about her commitment to stroke prevention and awareness
What
has inspired you to be involved in stroke support?
Around
spring 2010, my precious mother had a stroke, which not
only came with its physical impediments but also emotional and mental. The
physical impediments meant that she was paralyzed on the left side of her body
along with speech impairments that affected her communication.
I
always thought to myself in hindsight that if my sister and I were enlightened
on the signs and symptoms of stroke, we could have taken preventive measures to
avoid a stroke and coma after she complained of fatigue. This experience taught me a lot of basic and essential
facts about stroke, which acted as a catalyst to inspire and motivate me to
create and spread awareness and consciousness about stroke. Plus connecting
with others to help ease the depression and isolation so common after a stroke.
What
does stroke support look like in your country?
Stroke
remains a huge problem in Nigeria and globally. There is not adequate support for stroke patients in Nigeria, for
example in the biggest National Hospital only 3 hours a week is dedicated for
stroke clinics to attend to the needs of stroke patients.
How
did the project come about?
This
project was born out of my emotions from the experience with my mum, which led
to me having this insatiable passion to educate people on the risks, signs
and symptoms of a stroke.
What
have been some of the outcomes of the projects?
I
consider all IDA Stroke Awareness Foundation projects as successful; creating
awareness about stroke, giving medical recovery accessories to those who need
them during our outreach and organizing a stroke clinic in a rural community
with minimal health care.
What
has been the feedback from stroke survivors to the project?
The
response and feedback from all our outreach has constantly reminded us of the
reason why we embarked on this mission. The joy and satisfaction derived from
this act of altruism cannot be quantified. The testimonies from stroke
survivors and individuals who benefited from our outreach has been the fuel
that drives us to continue this mission.
What
has been the response from others – community, doctors, and politicians?
Doctors
and medical professionals are willing and ready to help in any way they can and
we always get volunteers. Volunteers have the passion and willingness to serve
and we are elated to provide this platform with an opportunity to serve
humanity.
What
would you say to other people to make them take stroke prevention seriously?
Stroke
is a brain attack that can lead to disabilities and ultimately death.
Please pay close attention to your health, always monitor your blood pressure
if you have a history, heart disease, diabetics, go for medical
check ups and always take your medications as directed. All the signs
of stroke shouldn’t be taken lightly: face numbness, arm weakness and speech
difficulty. If you consider someone may be having a
stroke, call an emergency service if available or have someone call for
you and get to the hospital immediately. Please do not wait for the next
second. DON’T BE THE ONE.
