Younger Stroke Accounts

“Brain Attack”
by David Dow
At age 10, David Dow had a stroke, leaving him with aphasia. As a child, his quest to be “normal” included numerous hours of therapy and claiming he was a foreign-exchange student so others would talk slowly to him. This account underscores that stroke can happen at any age, even to children.

“But You Look So Normal…”
by Kara Ellsworth and Chris Russo
This story is unique as both authors had brain injuries, met in rehabilitation therapy, and got married. Both Ellsworth and Russo are young survivors, too. This book discusses how people who have head injuries understand each other.

“Before, Afdre, and After”
by Maureen Twomey
In 2000, Maureen Twomey had a stroke at age 33. Most of this account only has text on the left side of the page; she cannot see on the right side of the page, so this simulates her current state. Her light-hearted style helps stroke survivors to not take themselves too seriously.

“The Calm Before the Storm”
by Delanie Stephenson
In 2012, at the age of 33, Delanie Stephenson had a stroke. With two young children, she persevered, in part because of a supportive husband. Ironically, the author’s sister had a stroke, making it rather odd that two members of the same family had similar medical ailments.

“The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly”
by Jean-Dominque Bauby
In 1995, at the age of 43 years old, Bauby had a stroke. Bauby was the former editor-in-chief of Elle Magazine, proving once again that stroke can happen to anyone at any stage of life. While he suffered from “Locked-in Syndrome,” he was able to laboriously compose this book by blinking his left eye to a person who transcribed his ideas. Ironically, even though he could not speak, this book is filled with vivid imagery, metaphors, and witty phrases. At times, this book is so eloquent it reads like poetry.

“Don’t Leave Me This Way: Or When I Get Back on My Feet Again You’ll Be Sorry”
by Julia Fox Garrison.
In 1997, at the age of 37 years old, Julia Fox Garrison had a stroke. Humorous and charming, this account describes her rehabilitation, struggles with having children post-stroke, and how her career path changed. Now a motivational speaker and author, she effectively redefined herself. More information can be found at the following website: www.juliafoxgarrison.com.

“Hope Heals”
by Katherine and Jay Wolf
Katherine Wolf had a stroke in 2008 when she was at the age of 26. Both Katherine and Jay, her husband, have co-authored this book, providing valuable insights of both a survivor and a caregiver. They have two sons, one of whom was born after her stroke. This book is a Christian account of the stroke experience, as her faith plays a foundational factor in her attitude and recovery. More information can be found at the following website: http://www.hopeheals.com/.

“I’ve Been Really Lucky”
by Andy Hill
At the age of 46 years old, Hill had a stroke in 2010. Interestingly, the final chapter of the book is writing about “Lessons Learned” from the stroke.

“Life Interrupted”
by Harold “Marty” Zimmerman III
In 2013, at the age of 25, Zimmerman had a stroke. In this account, he talks about the value of returning to work, his faith, and his family. In the Epilogue, he writes a letter to another stroke survivor, which is quite powerful to read.

“Love Stroke”
by Kelly and Brad Marsh
At the age of 36, Kelly Marsh had a stroke in 2009. Both Kelly and Brad, her husband, have co-authored this book, providing accounts of both a survivor and a caregiver. What makes this book unique is the section at the end of each chapter entitled “If We Only Knew,” as these insights are valuable for people exposed to any brain injury.

“My Stroke of Insight”
by Jill Bolte Taylor
Heralded as one of the most prominent stroke accounts, Dr. Taylor is a brain scientist who describes in vivid detail the stroke that happened to her. In 1996, she suffered a stroke when she was at the age of 37, and she discusses this event not only in her book, but in a popular TED Talk. Find more information about Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor.

“Never Give Up”
by Tedi Bruschi
In 2005, at the age of 31, Tedi Bruschi of the New England Patriots had a stroke. His return to professional football is discussed heavily in this book. Miraculously, his specific stroke enabled him to play a contact sport again. Also, he discusses his wife’s support and raising three young children with a stroke.

“A Stroke of Faith”
by Mark Moore
In 2007, Mark Moore had a stroke when he was at the age of 46. One thing that is notable about this book is that the author insisted upon financially repaying his family who helped him considerably immediately after the stroke. This account is a Christian-based narrative as Moore is not shy about what he believes.

"Stroke Rebel"
by Linda Radestad
In 2016 at age 43, Randstad had a stroke. This account has an international appeal as she is from Germany and is fluent in five different languages. She addresses how she physically improved dramatically after an initial six month window and discusses the role of selecting the correct food ingredients.

“You Are Supposed To Do This”
by Darren Rayborn
In 2011, at the age of 44, Darren Rayborn had a stroke. A theme in this book is the intervention of St. Raphael the Archangel. Rayborn had a vision of St. Raphael immediately before his stroke, and this appearance enabled him to seek solace, purpose, and ultimately, acceptance of his stroke.