Sharon Stone, the acclaimed actress, recently shared her harrowing experience of overcoming a near-fatal stroke and brain hemorrhage in 2001. The event left her with a mere 1% chance of survival and significant physical and cognitive impairments.
Stone revealed the severity of her condition to PEOPLE magazine while hosting the American Heart Association (AHA) Red Dress Collection Concert. She described leaving the hospital with an 18% loss of body mass, difficulty walking, and the inability to even write her name. The stroke also severely impacted her memory, leaving her unable to recall basic information.
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Despite the overwhelming odds, Stone has made a remarkable recovery. She emphasized her ability to host the AHA event in five-inch heels as a testament to her resilience and a source of inspiration for others facing similar challenges. Her message is clear: “You can do it… I made it, and you can too.”
Following the rupture of a vertebral artery that bled into her brain for nine days, Stone faced a lack of adequate rehabilitation programs. She highlighted the absence of resources to help her regain basic functions like walking and speaking, as well as the lack of insurance support. Stone believes the situation may be even more dire for stroke survivors today.
Adding to her difficulties, Stone endured a challenging personal life, with her then-husband, Phil Bronstein, filing for divorce during her recovery. She also faced significant financial hardship, losing her life savings.
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Despite these hardships, Stone persevered. She now uses her platform to advocate for stroke awareness and urges individuals to recognize the symptoms and seek immediate medical attention. She stresses the importance of calling 911 directly, recounting her own experience of being ignored and left alone for days after her stroke.
Stone’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms: facial drooping, arm numbness, speech difficulties, and slurred words. She implores anyone experiencing these symptoms to call for an ambulance immediately, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “Do not hesitate,” she warns. Stone’s message of resilience, advocacy, and the importance of timely medical intervention offers hope and guidance to stroke survivors and their families.
