I Also Have a Dream

On the 28th of August 1963, a century after President Abraham Lincoln penned the Emancipation Proclamation, Martin Luther King ascended the marble stairs of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Over 200,000 individuals gathered to hear his words about America. Today, six decades after that pivotal moment, I, as a survivor of a stroke, stand here to proclaim that I also have a dream.

My dream is one of universal access to premium quality healthcare and rehabilitation across the globe for everyone suffering a stroke, a dream born from my personal journey since that fateful September 8, 2022, when I faced a stroke here in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). In sharing my dream, I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have walked alongside me on this path: from the swift response of the Ambulance Team who saved my life, to the dedicated medical staff at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), and most profoundly, to the entire NMC ProVita family. They left an indelible mark on my heart.

In this dream, I see a future where complete treatments for all neurological conditions exist. A reality where the intricate dance between our brains—the master puppeteers—and our muscles is mended, rendering disabilities obsolete. We stand on the precipice of breakthroughs, and as I look ahead, I believe that no one should endure the weight of such disabilities, especially considering that today, 1 in 4 individuals will experience a stroke in their lifetime.

My dream extends to the workplace. Like what I had the luck to experience firsthand after my stroke at Etihad Airways. I envision leaders and colleagues standing steadfast by our sides from the very beginning. Where they create a seamless transition back into our roles, never treating us as anything less than our pre-accident selves. A world where work stress bows to the priority of our health, where our integration is seamless, and where we are seen for our skills and potential rather than any perceived limitations.

Yet, the heart of my dream beats strongest in the realm of human connection. I yearn for a society where support flows naturally like a river—where loved ones, family, and friends serve as pillars of encouragement and strength. A place where shoulders to lean on and hugs to uplift are as abundant as the words of encouragement and the smiles that light up our darkest moments. This is a battle that no one should have to fight alone.

I hope everyone will embrace their dreams as I did. I have always dreamt of writing a book. Thanks to my stroke, I finally found the subject and the courage to draft it. This achievement is even more significant when I consider that only 3% of aspiring authors who embark on writing a book succeed in completing it. Among that 3%, a mere 20% of authors can see their tireless hours of thought and effort culminate in a published work. What brings me even greater happiness and contentment is the fact that I managed to write 60,000 words using only my left hand, as my right one remains immobile—a sweet present bestowed upon me by the stroke.

I had to use keyboards, designed primarily for two-handed use, and it proved to be a challenging feat. Regrettably, the few options tailored for single-handed use often come with exorbitant price tags, making them unattainable for many. It's my aspiration that affordable and user-friendly solutions become more accessible to people with similar disabilities.

Being a proud Italian, my love for cooking has always been deeply ingrained. Even after the stroke, I refused to let it deter me from my passion. Yet, I find myself envisioning a world where kitchen tools tailored for individuals with only one functioning hand are properly working and they are readily available. Imagine trying to spread butter and jam on a slice of bread with just one hand, especially when plates are as slippery as ice. My hope is that we can make cooking a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone, regardless of their physical challenges.

I envision a world where pity is replaced by admiration, where we are embraced for our boundless courage and resilience. A world where we are seen beyond perceived weaknesses to the incredible strength that resides within each of us.

Finally, because I believe that when you dream, you should dream big, I envision a future where my right hand moves once again. I yearn to touch and experience the world through my fingertips. Moreover, I see myself running alongside my friends at Abu Dhabi Striders. I deeply miss the exhilaration of standing at the starting line and the triumphant feeling of crossing the finish line. While running may still be a distant goal, I persistently train and exercise in pursuit of that dream. From "Zero to Hero," a miraculous transformation, today my aspiration has shifted to something simpler—jogging. Unfortunately, my physical limitations still prevent it. For the year 2023, my aim is to participate in the ADNOC Marathon 10KM. I'm planning to walk the distance in 2 hours. My message to I want to share is: “I am a stroke survivor. Because I am here, I have already won the race!”


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