“Stroke is a life-altering event. When Angie Collins-Burke suffered a devastating stroke injuring the right hemisphere of her brain at the age of 46, her life was suddenly changed forever. Once a registered nurse taking care of patients, Angie had now become the patient.
In this candid memoir, Angie chronicles her heart-wrenching diagnosis and the emotional roller coaster of her stroke recovery journey that ensued. With incredible determination, courage, grit, family support, and intensive rehabilitation therapy, Angie faced the challenges of overcoming severe physical and cognitive impairments compounded by post-stroke depression and epilepsy and she shares her coping strategies and keen insights that can help others.
Her neurological recovery is extraordinary — not only was she able to regain her lost functions, but also, she developed new artistic and athletic talents and found a new life purpose.
This truly remarkable recovery story is inspiring and empowering, offering wisdom and hope to stroke survivors and their families. It is highly recommended for patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone who wants to understand the lived experience of stroke.”
David J. Gladstone MD, PhD, FRCPC
Stroke Neurologist, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto
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Here is a heartfelt endorsement from Angie’s mother-in-law, who was there to witness the struggles and triumphs that Angie went through:
I finished your book a couple of days ago and have been trying to find the right words to tell you how I feel. I don’t think I have ever had so many emotions stirred up in me at the same time. I felt proud, of all the things you have overcome, I felt inspiration, reading about your determination and never giving up. I felt knowledgeable, learning what you had to go through to reach all of your accomplishments. I felt anger, reading how you were treated by some ignorant people. I felt sad, reading how sad and defeated and alone you felt. I felt amazement, how hard you fought every day and the hardships you worked through and overcame. I felt guilt, for not being there for you when you needed someone. I promise to be there for you now and for when ever you need. I felt love, for my son and how he managed to stay strong when it was needed, and the love the two of you share to win this battle together. I did not like how you made me cry at times but I guess that is because I love you like my own. So my honest opinion you wanted so here it goes. I loved every word and could not put it down. It is a book that every stroke survivor and caretaker and family should read. It should be handed out by hospitals and doctors to the people who have had the misfortune of having a stroke. So my girl, congratulations on a job well done. I am so proud of you. If I was wearing buttons, they would be popping open. A world of new chapters await you, so go get them. Love, Mom