American Heart Association Honors Stroke Survivor

It was just an ordinary day in the life of 32 year-old Mike Grygus.  An avid bicyclist he was taking a ride when he noticed some light-headedness.  An attempt to apply his brakes heading into an intersection didn't work.  He thought he was applying enough pressure but wasn't.  He went into the intersection and veered off into someone's yard and collapsed.

Luckily for Mike residents had spotted him and came to investigate.  As he told his story to Roger Neel and WNBF First News listeners, he said the people who came to see what happened thought he was drunk. After all, he was young.  It couldn't be a health issue.  But there was something different, something that didn't fit so they called 911.  When the ambulance arrived the crew spotted one of the signs of stroke ...he could  not raise his arm.  On his way to Wilson Hospital he was given a clot-buster shot...a shot that may well have saved him from further damage...perhaps his life. The swift action by the ambulance crew and the subsequent treatment at Wilson Hospital prevented what could have been a far worse fate.

After he stabilized his rehabilitation work began. Following extensive rehab Mike has been able to put his life back together.  He got back on a bicycle again and he has returned to work. Now 35,  Mike says he continues to see slow improvement in his overall condition.  With additional hard work he believes he will be able to reverse most of the effects left from his stroke.

He is enjoying life with wife Tiffany and their new baby.  Mike will be honored by the American Heart Association for his fight back against stroke at the annual Heart Walk scheduled for Sunday, April 12 at SUNY Broome. The event begins and ends at the Ice Center on campus.  Festivities begin at 9 AM with the Walk at 10:30AM.  You can register to walk at www.southerntierheartwalk.org. Pledges and donations can help people like Mike or someone you know.  WNBF will also broadcast live from the Walk on the Barb Mack Show.