Sarah Meagher was sitting at a café with her fiancé Shan, just must months away from her dream wedding when her stroke struck.
A fit and healthy 30-year-old, Sarah began slurring her speech and was unable to lift one arm.
"Shan immediately recognised I was having a stroke. He acted quickly and got me in the car and began driving to the hospital which was less than five minutes away," Sarah said.
"During the short drive he was on speakerphone with his mum, who is a nurse, she confirmed his fears that I was showing some of the F.A.S.T signs of stroke."
At hospital, Sarah underwent a series of tests and was sent home. A week later, an MRI revealed she'd experienced a stroke, caused by a small hole in her heart.
"When I was told I'd had a stroke, it took my breath away. I thought they were something that only happened to the elderly, it was such a huge shock," she said.
"I struggled for a few months afterwards, I was constantly on edge that I would have another stroke, it was a really anxious time."
Sarah began the long and arduous road to recovery, but her wedding date was fast approaching.
"I lost all interest in trying on dresses and organising the wedding. So, Shan took over all the responsibilities. Having been together for 12 years, he knew my style, he also took over all communication with our vendors," she said.
"I really didn't care what the wedding looked like, for me the most important part was marrying my best friend.
"The day was everything I could have hoped for. I did feel very fatigued, not many people could say they were counting down until the end of the wedding, but I was. I am just so grateful to my husband Shan and to my friends and family for helping me pull it all together."
Sarah is sharing her story to mark National Stroke Week which runs from August 5 to 11 and encourages people to know the F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech and Time) message to ensure they can save the life of a loved one if they have a stroke.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy said regional Australians are 17% more likely to experience a stroke than their metropolitan counterparts.
"Sarah's story is proof that stroke can happen to anyone, at any time. Sadly, more and more young people are having strokes," Dr Murphy said.
"Shan did the right thing in getting Sarah urgent medical treatment. We know that the faster a stroke patient gets to hospital, the better their chance of survival and successful rehabilitation. You can help saving a life by learning the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke."
Think F.A.S.T and ask these questions:
Face - Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms - Can they lift both arms?
Speech - Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time - Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.
