Margaret Sytema knew something was wrong. It was one morning 18 years ago and she was working in the family’s Yarraville chicken shop.
After an early start, every day like clockwork, she would get a phone call from her elderly mother about 7.30am to see if she was alright.
“When mum didn’t ring, I called my dad and he said, ‘Mum’s not well – she can’t talk’,” she said.
“They’d retired to Rockbank and were growing chickens for Steggles and were still quite active.”
Mrs Sytema rang her sister and when she arrived at hospital from work, her mother was in intensive care after having a stroke.
“Mum was unconscious for 24 hours and we thought she wouldn’t make it,” she said.
“But her 50th wedding anniversary was coming up and we think she was determined to live for that.”
Mrs Sytema said that despite the massive stroke, her mother emerged from hospital and began the long rehabilitation process.
“Mum had to learn how to write, walk and talk again,” she said.
Mrs Sytema started accompanying her mother to the Weststroke Support Group, where she continues as treasurer even though her mother died in 1995.
The focus of National Stroke Week which continues until Sunday, is to encourage Australians to become more aware of stroke, understand their risks and the steps people can take to prevent it.
Stroke is Australia’s second biggest killer, with one in six people to be affected in their lifetime.
Mrs Sytema said stroke did not discriminate.
“We have a man at the support group who was a truck driver. He had a stroke when he was 48 and he lost the use of his right hand,” she said.
“The night before my mum’s stroke she was cooking tea but she had a bad headache and she went to bed.
“It’s so important people make themselves aware of the warning signs and if they suspect a stroke, to seek help straight away.”
The Weststroke Support Group meets at 10.30am on the first Friday of the month at RecWest Footscray, corner Essex and Margaret streets, Footscray.
For more information phone Melva Morrison on 9317 7850 or to find out about stroke visit www.strokefoundation.com.au.
