“The thought of having
another stroke? Scary.”
Richard Dijan-Krofa.
“I’m Richard, a father, a husband, and survivor – grateful for my second chance, but always fearing there won’t be a third.”
When the stroke struck, Richard was moments away from driving his son to school. Surrounded by family at home, he was able to get help quickly, a blessing he reflects on often.
His recovery has been marked by determination and faith. From painstakingly picking up grains of rice to regain the use of his hand, to returning to the rehab center to thank the therapists who guided him, Richard has never lost sight of the second chance he was given.
Though the journey was isolating at times, Richard found strength in helping others. By mentoring stroke survivors and advocating for awareness, he has turned his experience into a mission of hope. And, while grateful for his second chance, he remains aware that another stroke could change everything and transport him back to that lonely place.
What memory from your stroke has left the strongest impression on you?
“I was about to drive my son to school and the thought of me driving him to school and it happening during that time… I can't even comprehend it.”
What milestones have stood out to you along your recovery journey?
“Going back to the hospital – to thank the rehab center, to thank the nurses and the speech therapist and being able to talk to them… the fact that I can go back and talk to them was a real point in my journey. ”
How does it feel to make your story visible through this campaign?
“Hopefully, this will help people [learn] about stroke, and having a second stroke, so that people are aware of it. I hope my story will encourage someone who is going through something similar.”
What emotions or thoughts come up when you think about the possibility of a second stroke?
“It is important to take your medication, to be as active as you can to prevent it. But no one knows what will happen. No one knows what God has planned for you.”
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.
Ulrike Lindner
“A stroke can feel like a lonely place, a silent battle within. But even in the darkest moments, your inner child remains – a quiet light waiting to be seen. Healing is not just recovery; it is rediscovering the strength you’ve always carried inside.”
Ulrike Lindner – The Artist
Ulrike Lindner, a Munich-based artist and designer, translates inner emotions into vivid portraits. Passionate about raising awareness for the need to better protect stroke survivors, she bridges the inner world with tangible reality in her work, creating portraits that invite emotional connection. Through her unique artistic vision, Ulrike fosters empathy and strengthens advocacy, making art a profound platform for social change.