Lived experience of cardiovascular disease (CVD), Nigeria

Stroke: My Survival Story

 

My journey with CVD / Stroke began 19 years ago—not with me, but with my eldest brother, who had a stroke in London. Sadly, he died after experiencing a second stroke. At that time, I did not understand much about stroke, but that loss still stayed with me.

In 2012, I was just 33 years old when I had my own stroke. Back then, I used to drink heavily and smoke cigarettes.

 

My stroke left me unable to speak (aphasia), move, or walk. Recovery was not immediate—it took me two and a half years to realize that healing is a long and costly process. Every single day, I take my medication, eat nutritious food—especially fruits and vegetables—and exercise just to stay alive. I've learned how expensive and emotionally draining it can be to rebuild your life from scratch.

In 2016, my mother suffered a stroke. She had been living with diabetes  and the stroke came as a devastating blow to our family.Today marks a special moment for me! My diary is now live on the Our Views, Our Voices website: 🔗 https://www.ourviewsourvoices.org/ncd-diaries/leadership-lived-experience/michael-uchunor  As the third diarist to be featured, I hope my story will help deepen understanding of the power of lived experience. In the coming weeks, more diarists will share their own powerful journeys.  Grateful to the team for making this possible and to my community for walking alongside me every step of the way.

 The stroke left her paralyzed and dependent on a wheelchair. She now lives with chronic pain and fatigue, which takes a toll on her both physically and emotionally.  

 

Beyond my own family, I’ve seen how stroke can completely turn lives upside down,

One particularly heartbreaking case is that of our stroke survivor After suffering a stroke and losing his ability to provide for his family, he was beaten by his wife and children. Eventually, they drove him out of the very house he had built with his own hands. With no phone and no way to reach out for help, he disappeared—and to this day, no one knows what became of him.

 

This painful void, and the many similar experiences I’ve encountered, inspired the creation of the Michael and Francisca Foundation, a stroke support organization where survivors  share their stories, challenges and learn about promising treatments and new research.

 

We got an Authorization from the Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace Alfred Adewale Martins to carry out Stroke Awareness Campaign for Survivors at the various Catholic Churches and environ in Lagos State.

we also got support from  U.M.M.I – Unione Medico Missionaria Italiana who gives us an in-kind Donation of Medicines to care for stroke survivors and people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

 

Key Areas of Impact

Thanks to our partners and our team, we have been able to support in the following ways:

l Give free provision of medicines for stroke/NCDs disease management

l Access to healthcare services and medical check-ups

l Supporting housing for stroke survivors in critical need

l Youth empowerment through skills training and mentorship

l Clothing and feeding programs for low-income families

l Annual Christmas gifts for the less privileged

l Community awareness and education on stroke and NCDs

 

We envision a world with fewer strokes, where survivors are supported, youth are empowered, equality is upheld, and everyone has the opportunity to live their best life in dignity and justice.

Thank you

 

 

Today marks a special moment for me!



My diary is now live on the Our Views, Our Voices website:
🔗 https://www.ourviewsourvoices.org/ncd-diaries/leadership-lived-experience/michael-uchunor

As the third diarist to be featured, I hope my story will help deepen understanding of the power of lived experience. In the coming weeks, more diarists will share their own powerful journeys.

Grateful to the team for making this possible and to my community for walking alongside me every step of the way.

 

 

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