Through the darkness, caught between fear and hope, I found myself trapped in a body that no longer responded. I could no move, speak, or communicate — only surrender to the care of the medical team. That was the critical phase of my stroke.
And then, slowly, I came back to life. But the prognosis was not in my favor: 50% loss of mobility, loss of speech, memory lapses, cognitive and neurological impairments.
"In that moment, I realized I would have to relearn everything. Everything. But deep inside, one thing was clear: I was not going to give up."
Step by step, I chose to fight. To reinvent myself. To reclaim my body, my mind, and my life. Despite the exhaustion, the doubts, the obstacles — I held on.
Today, a new version of me has emerged. More alive than ever. Aligned with my true purpose. And so, I set a clear intention — for myself and for the world.
"I choose to remain authentic, embracing my voice to share this message: the power of possibility lives within each of us."
For the past 5 years, I’ve been taking care of myself and helping others reinvent themselves, whether in their mental health, emotional wellbeing, or personal growth. Because no matter what life throws at you, remember this:
"When life brings you to your knees, you have a choice to make: To sit back and wait. Or to rise to the calling."
About Willema
Willema is the Founder and CEO of Willema Girard Harper @ Global Action, a health advocate, and a passionate voice for recovery and reinvention after stroke and cardiovascular disease.
Resources
Living with Dilated Cardiomyopathy Discussion Guide
Living with Chronic Kidney Disease & Cardiovascular Disease Whiteboard Animation
