SOMA Living May 2022

CYCLE AMERICA

After mini-stroke at 41, she’s on a mission to educate others Stroke wasn’t something Stacy Quinn ever thought about as a young, healthy woman.

“In my mind, stroke was associated with old age and men,” said Quinn, age 48. “I never thought stroke was something that could happen to me – I eat healthy and I exercise.” I t was December 2014 when Quinn experienced the worst headache of her life.

Northern NJ CYCLENATION

Track your minutes of physical activity throughout May and celebrate with us in person on May 31. Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death in New Jersey and No. 5 in the U.S. Join the ride to raise awareness and make a difference in brain health for all. CycleNation.org/NNJ

“I convinced myself I was just tired and stressed from a busy holiday season at work and home,” she said. Quinn’s speech was slurred and her vision was blurry, but she wrote these symptoms off as side effects of the headache. It took three different trips to doctors and 10 days before she finally got a diagnosis of transient ischemic attack. Also known as a mini-stroke, TIA is a temporary blockage of the blood flow to the brain and is often a warning sign of a looming massive stroke. Doctors ultimately determined the TIA was caused by a tear in the lining of her carotid artery. “While I did everything right for my health, unfortunately I was one of the three in 100,000 people who have a spontaneous carotid artery dissection, meaning we don’t know why it happened,” she said. “Although my artery never fully healed, overall, my health is good. I live with a 40% artery blockage, and some restrictions and medications.” Quinn, who lives in Belleville, New Jersey, has become an ambassador for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. She is passionate about raising awareness that stroke can happen at any age and the importance of healthy habits. “Many times, when I share my story, the first thing people say to me is ‘You don’t look like someone who could have a stroke,’” Quinn said. “Exercise is so important for physical and mental health, and to prevent stroke and heart disease. I know my healthy lifestyle helped my positive outcome despite being misdiagnosed for 10 days.” Quinn works with the Association in New Jersey on the Government Relations Committee, Go Red for Women campaign and the CycleNation movement, which takes place in May – American Stroke Month. “I’m riding in this CycleNation event to change people’s perception of stroke and raise money for life-saving research,” she said. “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for research. I’m so thankful for those supporting me and helping stop the cycle of stroke.” The Association works to help people spot the signs of a stroke F.A.S.T.: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 9-1-1. Acting F.A.S.T. can mean the difference between life or death, and recovery or disability. Join Stacy in her CycleNation ride to raise awareness at CycleNation. org/NNJ.

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MAY 2022 | SOMA LIVING 27

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