By Hollie Harris
HUMBLE family man Chris Kay has fought his way back from a massive two-year battle piecing together his life after a stroke changed it all in 2014.
In the run-up to National Stroke Week 12-18 September, Chris has just won the national award for Improving Life After Stroke Award by the Stroke Foundation.
One in six people are affected by a stroke and as an avid surfer and traveller who was healthy and fit, Chris and his family were shocked when it happened to him.
He was told by the Head Cardiologist in Nambour that no one who had survived such a severe stroke.
“It shook me to the core. It really sunk in then how lucky I was,” Chris said.
Chris was discharged from the hospital without the motor skills and functionality he once had and he couldn’t find any information about what to do next.
“My brain was like a filing cabinet which has been tipped upside down and emptied on the floor and I had to figure out how to put it all back together somehow,” he said.
“I couldn’t believe there was no help or support for people like me to rebuild their lives or deal with something like this.
“I wanted to make a group where stroke survivors could come together and support each other.”
Chris began a stroke support group called Young Queensland Stroke Support Group which meets once a month which attract people from as far away as Brisbane.
He has tirelessly committed his time to creating awareness in the community about stroke and how vital it is to be aware of the signs.
“I just couldn’t believe there wasn’t any support groups or information for me about what to do next.
“I want to get the word out about how common strokes are and I want people to know there are others who have survived and rebuilt their lives,” he said.
Know Your Numbers is a program offered in pharmacies to provide a quick risk assessment.
Chris said few people know about this program but it can save lives.
“I want to encourage people to get into their pharmacy and check their numbers. Every minute counts with stroke.
“If I can save just one person’s life by telling to them to get into their pharmacy and check out their numbers, then I’ll be a happy man.
“My life has changed completely. I feel like it’s my duty to make a difference now and I don’t want anyone falling through the cracks.”
Chris will be hosting an awareness campaign at Bunnings Noosaville on October from 10-2pm.
Contact Chris for information on his Facebook page Young Queensland Stroke Support Group.
