“I was petrified of a second stroke.

And I’m yet to meet a survivor
who isn’t.”

Sas Freeman.

“I’m Sas, a writer, an artist and someone who had to rebuild my world after a recurring stroke tore it apart.”

At 45, fit and healthy, Sas never imagined a stroke could be part of her story. When it struck, it took everything – her independence, her job, and even her role as a mother. With delayed care compounding the damage, she was sent home in a wheelchair and told this was “as good as it was going to get.”

But for Sas, giving up wasn’t an option. Determined to reclaim her life, she fought tirelessly to rebuild. From learning to speak and read again to discovering a new passion for painting, she transformed her recovery into a journey of resilience. Her second stroke came just months later, but with timely care, it left no further damage, offering her relief from the fear so many survivors face.

Today, Sas is a powerful advocate, using her story to raise awareness about stroke prevention and recovery. Through her writing, art, and speaking, she inspires others to fight for better care and to never lose hope. Having faced a second stroke, she knows how easily it could happen again – and how vital prevention is. That fear fuels her mission, driving her to advocate for better care so others don’t have to live with the same uncertainty.

What memory from your stroke has left the strongest impression on you?

“I was sent home in a wheelchair after a couple of months in hospital with the words, ‘this is as good as it’s going to get’. Devastating at the time, but much later, [those words] actually became my driving force.”

What milestones have stood out to you along your recovery journey?

“My son had become a carer for me… So that was when I was able to think I really have got to do something about this. I have no idea what... or how..., but I must [do something] because I cannot spend the rest of my life like this.”

How does it feel to make your story visible through this campaign?

“I get such pleasure when I can see that I have been able to make a difference. However small that difference is. That is wonderful, and if we can prevent just one stroke anywhere, through anything any one of us does – that's amazing.”

What emotions or thoughts come up when you think about the possibility of a second stroke?

“I know firsthand, from all the roles I now do post-stroke, that it is such a great fear in stroke survivors. And I personally don't believe it's recognized by health professionals.”

What are your hopes for the future?

“My hopes for me are that I can continue to recover more and eventually the neurological issues will lessen. But broader than that my hopes are still to keep continuing to help people more and more.”

Making the invisible visible: Unveiling the unseen struggles of stroke survivors

Every stroke survivor has a story. It’s often one of trauma, resilience, and unwavering determination. But while survivors try to endure and rebuild, the fear of another stroke lingers. It’s a burden shared by their care partners, a quiet fight against the unpredictable.

Six brave stroke survivors, alongside their care partners, have opened their hearts and lives to share their journeys. Their stories reveal not just the weight of uncertainty, but also the hope and humanity that keeps them moving forward. Their experiences and emotions were transformed by visual artists into six works of art. Each piece tells a highly personal story.

“Making the Invisible Visible” invites us to recognize what’s hidden and take action to prevent what’s preventable. Because secondary stroke deserves a second look.