“A stroke is like a tsunami.
I cannot let another one take
me under again.”
Javier Martín.
“I’m Javier, a husband, a father, and I had to learn to walk, talk and live again.”
With a high level of fitness and having recently run a marathon, the idea of Javier having a stroke seemed impossible. Yet, the impossible happened. And it happened in waves.
Javier suffered a staggering three strokes. He describes it as a tsunami, engulfing not only him but his family too. He lost his control, his voice, and his independence.
His story is one of resilience and determination to rebuild – not only for himself, but for his family. Yet, beneath his unwavering determination, a lingering fear remains: the possibility that another stroke could strike without warning, threatening to take away everything he has fought so hard to regain.
What memory from your stroke has left the strongest impression on you?
“I cannot stand up, cannot walk, cannot speak. Fortunately, I recovered both my voice, my speech, more or less fluently, and [I can] walk again, and even run.”
What milestones have stood out to you along your recovery journey?
“The first time I could stand [again] was amazing. The first time I could walk again – incredible. And the first time that I could go upstairs – incredible.”
How does it feel to make your story visible through this campaign?
“We would like to help other people who don't have the opportunity to recover because they don't have the money.”
What emotions or thoughts come up when you think about the possibility of a second stroke?
“If they can prevent [and] avoid another stroke, it's better than [having] to suffer and recover again.”
What are your hopes for the future?
“I will try to work again. If I can't, for sure we have to be involved in collaborating with foundations… to help someone who suffers from this situation as a patient and as a carer.”
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.
Dodo Newman
“This piece visualizes a stroke survivor’s inner world, likened to a tsunami – sudden, chaotic, and destructive. Waves symbolize trauma and aftermath. Dark colors evoke disorientation, while torn areas symbolize deep ruptures. Lighter elements hint at detachment and the struggle to reconnect, capturing both trauma and resilience. Javier's journey began dark but healing is like vibrant spring colors – inner peace is his greatest strength”
Dodo Newman – The Artist
Dodo Newman, an international artist based in Germany, found that the project resonated deeply with her mission of bridging the inner and outer worlds, inviting viewers to explore the interconnectedness of our existence. She saw it as a unique initiative that unites diverse fields – from health and personal journeys of struggles to art – and believed that the world needed more projects sharing such profound messages. She felt privileged to have been part of it.