Stroke floors fitness advocate - Lecturer found three days after collapsing at home
Jamaica Star • • health
Key Points:
- Dr. Sasekea Harris, a 44-year-old senior lecturer and library head at UWI Mona, suffered a stroke in 2021 despite her healthy lifestyle, resulting in partial paralysis on her left side and a lengthy recovery process.
- After being found unconscious days after her stroke, Harris underwent extensive therapy to regain mobility and independence, facing significant psychological challenges including anger, depression, and social isolation.
- Speaking at the 7th Regional Disability Studies Conference, she emphasized that disability can affect anyone suddenly and called for broader accessibility in the Caribbean, including education, healthcare, and employment, beyond just physical infrastructure.
- Harris highlighted the ongoing social stigma and misunderstandings faced by persons with disabilities, sharing personal experiences of skepticism and judgment about her condition.
- Despite these challenges, Harris has regained much of her independence, lives alone again, and advocates for greater awareness and inclusion of people with disabilities.
