Geelong’s Jo Pittwood was pregnant with her third child when she had her first ‘turn’.
More followed before she discovered they were trans-ischaemic attacks, or mini-strokes.
After George was born, an MRI scan revealed that Jo had Moyamoya.
The rare, progressive disease was blocking arteries at the base of her brain, putting her at high risk of stroke.
Days after surgery in 2012 she had a major stroke, leaving her with right-sided weakness and speech defects.
“Over the next few months I worked with my speech pathologist, occupational therapist and physiotherapist to overcome my deficits and get back to my normal daily activities,” Jo said.
But when she was unable to find a community support group for Moyamoya sufferers, Jo began one herself.
“I felt like I’ve been given a second chance at life and it made me more driven to help other people in a similar situation.
“I began a Moyamoya Australia Facebook group to help other sufferers with Moyamoya disease and their families. I wanted it to be a place where we can share stories and know we’re not alone in living with this disease.”
Wanting to further pursue her dream of caring for others, Jo also began studying a Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin University.
Jo’s efforts have made her a Courage category finalist at the 2016 Stroke Awards.
Her nomination was an honour that would help Jo raise awareness of Moyamoya, she said.
Stroke Foundation chief Sharon McGowan praised Jo as an “inspiration to other Moyamoya sufferers”.
“Through establishing an online support group, she provides a compassionate and understanding outlet for Australians living with this disease,” Ms McGowan said.
“Together, with the support of people like Jo, we can work toward reducing the burden of stroke in Victoria.”
The five category winners of the 2016 Stroke Awards will be announced later this month.
