‘She’s my hero’: Young girl saves grandmother from stroke twice
It started off as a typical day on the farm for Meaka Star and her grandmother Marleen Conacher. Little did they know that within minutes, their lives would change forever. Meaka’s quick recognition of the signs of a stroke may have saved Marleen’s life, and now they are sharing their story during Stroke Awareness Month to raise awareness about the importance of acting fast.
In July 2021, Marleen was spending time with her two granddaughters, looking forward to a relaxing evening of dinner and a movie. However, Meaka, who was only 10 years old at the time, noticed something was wrong. She saw that her grandmother’s voice had disappeared and her face was drooping. Moments later, Marleen collapsed. Without hesitation, Meaka called her dad, who instructed her to dial 911. Thanks to her quick actions, Marleen was rushed to the hospital in time for treatment.
Six days later, it happened again. Marleen struggled to open a pill bottle, and Meaka immediately recognized the signs of another stroke. She called for help and got her grandmother to the hospital once more. Marleen expressed her gratitude for her granddaughter’s swift actions, calling her a hero. Meaka was even honored with a Hero Award at school, but to Marleen, she will always be her hero.
The key to Meaka’s quick response was her knowledge of the FAST method for recognizing a stroke. FAST stands for face, arms, speech, and time – a simple acronym to help assess whether someone is having a stroke. If you notice drooping in the face, difficulty lifting both arms, slurred speech, or any other signs of a stroke, time is of the essence. Call 911 immediately for help.
Another stroke survivor, Carmi Levy, also emphasizes the importance of acting fast. After suffering a stroke in 2013, Carmi uses his platform as a journalist and technology writer to raise awareness about strokes. He experienced a sudden tear in an artery in his neck while out for a bike ride, leading to paralysis on one side of his body. Thanks to his wife’s quick thinking and knowledge of the FAST protocol, Carmi received prompt medical care, minimizing the long-term effects of the stroke.
Carmi stresses the importance of seeking care immediately when experiencing stroke symptoms. Time is critical in preserving brain function and preventing further damage. While he has made a remarkable recovery, Carmi still faces challenges with balance. Nonetheless, he remains grateful for the care he received within the crucial “window of opportunity” for stroke treatment.
As Meaka and Marleen’s story demonstrates, quick recognition and action can make a life-saving difference in the event of a stroke. By spreading awareness and understanding the signs of a stroke, we can all play a role in saving lives and minimizing the impact of this serious medical emergency.
