- March 2, 2021
- Steve Heisler
- Podcast Episodes
Marcia Moran created Stroke FORWARD to share hope with stroke survivors and caretakers on their journey to recovery. Marcia tells the chilling details of her catastrophic stroke that happened in 2014. We dive into the differences between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, and Marcia explains the advantages and disadvantages of administering tPA (tissue plasminogen activator). Marcia also discusses the medical technology that helped her overcome her inability to speak after the stroke (otherwise known as Aphasia). Tune in as Marcia speaks about how to become your own healthcare advocate on your recovery journey.
In This Episode:
- [03:30] Marcia tells the story of her catastrophic stroke that happened in 2014.
- [07:15] The difference between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Plus, the advantages and disadvantages of administering the tPA.
- [10:50] What it is like learning how to talk again after a stroke.
- [16:15] Advice for stroke survivors on becoming their own healthcare advocate.
- [24:40] Marcia gives her last pieces of advice for stroke survivors.
Key Takeaways:
- Eighty percent of strokes are preventable.
- The National Aphasia Association says that if you’re not cured within the first two or three months of having aphasia, you will probably have it for life.
- Take your healthcare recovery into your own hands; you are your best advocate.
- Don’t ever give up; you can get better as long as you think you can.
Meet Marcia Moran:
After successfully building her business over the last twenty-plus years, Marcia Moran thought she had life by the tail. Little did she know what was in store. Marcia has written over fifty business plans, and helped entrepreneurs strategize over how to differentiate their companies in changing environments. After helping other entrepreneurs start their companies, she decided to found her own business consulting practice, Performance Architect, in 2012 and co-founded Positive Business DC that same year.
She suffered a major stroke in 2014. Marcia applied her skills in planning and strategy as she strived to become whole. She never gave up. Over time she learned to walk again, but Marcia struggled with aphasia, a language disorder. She joined Toastmasters International hoping to regain her speaking abilities. It helped some, but in August 2017 she discovered a technological breakthrough that minimized her speaking disability. She then pushed beyond her comfort zone to become a Toastmasters International Club Officer in 2017, then Area Director in 2019.
Marcia created Stroke FORWARD because she felt there is a need to share hope with stroke survivors and their caretakers. Learning to become her own health advocate one step a time and exploring holistic methods for healing are keys to her recovery. Marcia speaks and shares her message of hope, inspiration, healing, and a way forward as she goes across the country. She welcomes new opportunities to help individuals affected by major health crises move ahead.
Marcia lives with her husband Jim, two very loud cats, and two birds near Washington, DC. Jim played a role of caretaker and advocate. His observations and experiences are also captured in Stroke FORWARD. On weekends, Marcia, Jim, and the cats go to Deep Creek, Maryland where Marcia paints watercolors. In the evening Marcia and Jim sit out on the deck and watch fireflies flit by.
Marcia holds a B.S. in Political Science with a magna cum laude from the University of North Dakota and a Master’s in Business Administration, from Chapman University, in California. A woman of many talents, she attended school in Sandefjord, Norway to study art. She also earned a certificate in Well-being Foundations of Personal Transformation from the Personal Transformation and Courage Institute in Virginia.
Resources:
Top 12 Tips for Recovery: https://www.strokeforward.com/bookbonus
Website: http://www.StrokeForward.co
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrokeForward
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Stroke_Forward
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciamoran/