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Beth Huffman of the American Stroke Association passed along the inspiring story of Rose Velez, 24, a full-time Temple University student,who works part-time, has a three-year-old daughter and is running the Suzuki Rock-N-Roll Marathon in San Diego, CA, this Sunday as part of the American Stroke Association’s Train To End Stroke program.
This is all the more amazing because Rose suffered a stroke in February, 2003. While working in February 2003 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Bucks County, she was reaching into a cabinet for a pair of scrubs when she felt a suddent change in her body.
"Because of my training, I recognized the signs right away. It was like someone had drawn a line down the middle of my body," said Rose, a Morrisville resident. "My entire left side was numb. And my vision was blurry. I knew it had to be something neurological."
Rose summoned one of the nurses she was working with on the rehabilitation floor of the hospital. The nurses performed simple tests, checking her blood pressure and pulse, then sent Rose down to the emergency room.
"The numbness only lasted a few minutes, but my vision was blurry for hours," Rose said. "I don’t think they suspected a stroke at first because I was only 22."
Rose was tested over a series of three days, when she says doctors "put it all together" and determined that she had suffered a transient ischemic attack or TIA, which is a mini-stroke. Tests also determined that Rose had Protien S deficiency, which is a blood disorder, and a small hole in her heart. Rose said doctors also determined that her use of birth control pills increased her risk factors. After several weeks on medication, Rose returned to the hospital and had a catherization procedure to repair the hole in her heart. Just more than a year later, she has been weaned from various medications and now just takes aspirin daily.
She says she was initially intimidated by the prospect of running a marathon.
"I am not an avid athlete, but this is such a good cause. And God forbid something happens to my daughter or me that could have been prevented. I mean, the surgery I had last year - well a few years ago, that would have had to have been open heart surgery."
The Train-To-End-Stroke program helps to raise money for the American Stroke Association, with an estimated 75 percent of money raised going directly to research and educational programs. Rose’s daughter, Lola Miggins, also has a heart defect that will soon require surgery, as well as a blood disorder that she inherited from Rose.
"The hardest part of this has been finding the time to do it, like just getting to the gym," Rose said. "But I’ve enjoyed it, especially the fundraising. It has gotten me back in touch with a lot of people. Twenty-six miles is a long way, but I am ready for it."
Lola and Damien Miggins, Lola’s father and Rose’s boyfriend, will accompany Rose to San Diego for the race. "I’ve gotten the green light from my doctors and a lot of support from my family," Rose said. "And I’ve really tried to stay optimistic. From the beginning I’ve known I needed a positive outlook."
Have a great race, Rose! You are an inspiration! And here's a page for anyone who's interested in sponsoring Rose in the race!
Rose, much luck and success to you! TTES is a great organization. I walked the half-marathon for stroke in January and Disney World. You'll have a lot of support along the route with lots of people cheering for TTES!
I know you can do it! Have fun and have a great race!
By the way, I am walking the 5K at Hospital Hill on Saturday here in Kansas City. This race is one of the hilliest marathon routes in the U.S. I know 5K is only a small amount of mileage, but I'm a little intimidated by the hill work. I haven't really done a lot of hills, so this is kind of a test. I hope to do the 12K or the half next time!
Yvette
Posted by: Yvette W on June 2, 2004 01:32 PMGood Luck!!!What you are doing is wonderful. You are setting good examples for people everywhere, more importantly your daughter. ~Stephanie
Posted by: Stephanie on June 4, 2004 08:24 AMGood Luck Rose!! We are proud of you! You remind us all how important it is to keep being positive and to believe in the goals we want to reach.
Posted by: Marianne on June 4, 2004 09:19 AMgood luck rose...you are an incredible woman/mother...god bless you....love ya!!!! xoxoox
Posted by: natalie and bella on June 6, 2004 12:57 PMthank you all so much for your support! i have retuned from san diego very disappointed. the day before the race my daughter had a stomach virus that she passed onto me that night (hours before the race). i was unable to participate in the marathon from being so ill. so i came home feeling very down and disappointed. i know not many people had faith in me since i was never an avid athlete, so it meant more to me to finish the race than anyone knew. i love t.t.e.s., their mission, and their staff. i hope to stay involved and actually finish a marathon in the future! thank you again for all of your support!
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