BIOGRAPHY:

Henning J van Aswegen

As Financial Manager at a large group (listed on the stock exchange) I invited clients to various provincial and international sport events. At every main sports complex there is a place where the clients and senior members of the company can go and watch the game (with food and drinks on the house).

This particular event was cricket - Western Province v/s Northern Province. It was a day/night game. During the night (about 20h00) it began to rain and the match was cancelled. I drove home and went to bed. EARLY THE NEXT MORNING I WOKE UP AND I FELT THE MIGRAINE - I OPENED THE BEDSIDE CUPBOARD TO GET MEDICATION FOR MY MIGRAINE - FELL OUT OF THE BED - UNCONSCIOUS - I STROKED! 22 October 1987.

The neurosurgeon wrote a letter to my (ex)wife/father stating that I had a brain tumor most likely malicious, that I would not improve and my speech and writing was gone! I WAS APHASIC! He sent me home to die! The neurologist afterwards wrote a letter stating that I had a stroke resulting from an extended migraine attack.

The first word that I uttered was a swearword - still in hospital - hearing what the doctors said about my prognosis. I said to myself that speech is most important because if I could not talk, I was isolated from the world around me, and from my emotions/inspirations. Then God took charge. A speech therapist and a physiotherapist molded me again to what I am today (with God's help).

Although I still use a wheelchair (right hemi is still "lazy") I can drive, I live alone in Fairview apartments AND LIVE GOES ON!

At this stage I am very thankful; my migraines are in the past; I go to University (Closed Head Injuries) and Stroke Survivors and I took part in disabled sport (athletics) first provincial and later S.A.Physically Disabled. I took part in 3 Senior Disabled Champs and I achieved one silver cup and four gold medals (discus, shot-put and javelin[2] ).

Lastly - you have all suffered from strokes - it is NOT THE END - move your goalposts (with your PT / Speech-instructor) - get a diary and make notes - see how you better yourself - it is a never-ending process and the Alfa and omega - BELIEVE IN GOD!

The Stroke Network, Inc.

P.O. Box 492 Abingdon, Maryland 21009