"I felt half of my body drain and fall out through my feet. And then I disappeared."
Luna had a stroke in February 2018, aged 20, while studying at university: "I was catching a coach to London. Halfway, I felt my face go tingly. It was like pins and needles, but not the same. My tongue wasn't working. I turned to my friend in panic."
Over the course of the day, Luna had a total of seven strokes. Her biggest stroke was in hospital. "I felt half of my body drain and fall out through my feet. My whole left side was gone. And then I disappeared." Luna was repeatedly misdiagnosed throughout her experience, because of her young age. "The doctors thought I was drunk. There's such a stigma about young people and stroke. People think it just happens to the elderly, but that's not the case."
20% of Luna's brain died, affecting her cognitive understanding and left-hand side. "I used to draw a lot and I was left-handed, and that was taken away. I can't do makeup anymore. I can't do independent things like that. I'm usually quite sarcastic and quick-witted and those things weren't working as fast. It was soul destroying. There were so many elements of my stroke that made me believe I was no longer Luna."
Ten months on, Luna is focused on finishing her Media Studies degree. She talks at our events to raise awareness, especially of stroke in young people, and help others to rebuild their lives after stroke.
Recovery is tough, but with the right specialist support and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt. Our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community.
Please consider making a donation if you can to help us rebuild more lives.