Once in a lifetime birthday for Jodi

Jodi Iremonger is grateful for the support she received from Gisborne Stroke Support Group over the years.

“When it happened, I couldn’t sit, eat, or stand. I couldn’t do a lot of things.”

Jodi is now able to walk short distances with the aid of a 4-pronged cane but uses her wheelchair if she goes out as it’s faster and safer.

“It’s been a long road, and I’m still working on progressing further.”

Recently, Jodi celebrated her milestone 40th birthday with an adventure-filled trip around the South Island for five weeks with her parents.

“It was so cool! Mum and Dad helped me and that meant I could do so much stuff.”

“We went punting on the Avon River, indoor skydiving, up in the gondola, and Dad came jet boating and even parasailing with me. A few years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to do that.”

Jodi says it's been hard work, with a lot of help to get her to where she is now.

“I used to go to communication and exercise classes with Gisborne Stroke Support Group. They were so caring there and helped me a lot over the years.”

Gisborne Stroke Support Group provide information, understanding, care, support and friendship for stroke survivors and whanau. They have an endowment fund with Sunrise, to help ensure they can provide this service to our community in the future.

 

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