JUST PICK UP THE PEG
In 2013, Angie Collins-Burke, a forty-six-year-old nurse, suffered a large stroke caused by a carotid dissection that left her an epileptic, with no vision or use of her left side, and significant cognitive deficits. Since then, she persevered through rehabilitation, seizures, neuro-fatigue, agoraphobia, depression, and a suicide attempt. Now, she has run a 5km race, is a world elite fitness competitor, and a motivational speaker who mentors stroke survivors. Angie provides practical strategies to stroke survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. She has a unique perspective as both a medical professional and patient, and breaks down daunting tasks into manageable steps, with tips to help stroke survivors or those suffering from brain injury to adapt to the challenges of their new reality. The artwork she created during rehabilitation is included as a visual representation of her journey through pain and despair, to optimism. “Just Pick Up the Peg” are the words that Angie commanded her hand to do during occupational therapy, but she inspires us all to persevere through difficulty, and make the most of our challenges and opportunities.
