DescriptionSTROKE REBEL shows how an entrepreneur and former model is fighting her way back to living life successfully after a massive stroke at a young age. Linda’s story serves as a blueprint and source of realistic hope for stroke survivors.About the AuthorLinda was the epitome of success in virtually all facets of her life before tragedy struck. She was a wife, mother of three, former model, entrepreneur, and spoke five different languages. However, in April 2016, she suffered a massive stroke at the age of 43, which turned her life upside down. Unfortunately, a blood clot was treated too late and caused extensive damage to the right side of her brain. The stroke left her completely paralyzed on her left side and unable to speak. The doctors could not provide any answers about whether or not she would regain use of her left arm and leg, or talk again. Linda’s road to recovery looked bleak. The process was long, stressful, painful, and filled with setbacks. She had to deal with neuropathic pain so severe that she contemplated giving up on life.In a recent interview, she shared, “That was absolute rock bottom. At that point, I made a decision—to fight and become ‘a warrior and a rebel’ in my own life, and find ways to help other stroke survivors.”Doctors told Linda that the six months following her stroke were critical. For Linda, six months was a mental ticking time bomb. But they were also a point of reference from where she had to move forward to take her life back. Linda uncovered a wealth of knowledge that she would later use to help her on the path to recovery. With these new insights, she began to tap into her brain and physical capacity to enable the maximum amount of improvement. In her quest for recovery, she met Arjan Kuipers, who specializes in applied clinical neuroscience. They joined forces to create worldwide home training and tools for stroke survivors and those with brain injuries. Before the stroke, Linda labeled herself a “control freak” and a “workaholic.” Although the cause of her stroke remains unknown, she is convinced that stress played an integral role. In an article, she said, “I wouldn’t change the years after my stroke for anything! I have become more aware, centered, happier, appreciative, and more authentic in my day-to-day life.” She perceives herself as an ongoing experiment of neuroplasticity. She has made tremendous progress and is still recovering every day.
