If you have had the wonderful opportunity to visit the American Stroke Foundation's Mission location, you likely have seen Annette's enthusiastic dance moves or heard her lovely singing voice. Annette always brings a smile to others with her positive attitude and energy. Annette grew up in Goodland, KS. She met her husband Charles, or "Chuck", in college where they both had musical interests. Annette said that they had a lot of fun together and "laughed their way through school". Annette and Chuck moved around following college eventually returning to the Kansas City area. Annette has two daughters, Julie and Kendra, who now have children of their own. Annette appreciates everything her daughter's do for her as she alternates each week living with them. She feels her daughters are her greatest supporters. For employment, Annette followed her love of music and worked as a music teacher for several years. When her daughters were born, she stayed at home to raise her two girls. Later on in her 40's, she went back to school to get her Master of Social Work degree. She worked for the VNA, Lakeview Village, and as a Christian counselor. When Annette had her stroke, she stated that her brain "suddenly went dead". Her daughter Julie came home and noticed something was wrong. Annette felt confused, unable to hear what was going on around her, or speak clearly. When Julie realized Annette might be having a stroke, she called 911. As Annette recovered at Menorah Medical Center, she had difficulty speaking, her vision was impacted, and she had difficulty walking. She said initially no one expected her to get out of a wheelchair. Annette has come a long way since that time and she attributes this to the support of her daughters, faith in God, and the American Stroke Foundation (ASF).

 

At ASF, Annette feels there is a willingness to understand what others are going through and acceptance that it is okay to be a stroke survivor. She said being a part of this group allowed her to accept that she had a stroke, to be upset about some things, and to be happy about others. Annette feels ASF has been uplifting for her and that participating in the program changes her attitude each day through her interactions with other survivors. Being a part of this organization just makes her feel good. Outside of ASF, Annette enjoys reading, attending bible study and church, and spending time with her family and grandchildren. She feels her stroke changed her perspective on almost everything, but that she also has less fears and frustrations now. Her speech has improved and each day she gets better and better. Annette feels this also brought her closer to God and stronger in her faith. In all her wisdom, Annette has learned from life that faith is the most important thing. She also encourages herself and others to take challenges one step at a time and to recognize all you have to be grateful for in your life.