Emonena Akwara’s life took an unexpected turn just a month after achieving her dream of becoming a lawyer. At the young age of 23, she suffered a stroke, a medical emergency typically associated with older individuals. The stroke was triggered by a combination of a pre-existing heart infection and a blood-thinning medication prescribed for deep vein thrombosis, a condition discovered during her prior hospital visit for leg pain and general malaise. The initial misdiagnosis and delayed medical attention of nearly 24 hours significantly impacted her recovery, leaving her unable to speak, walk, or even recognize her own mother.
The stroke’s aftermath was a grueling journey of rehabilitation. Akwara’s right side was severely affected, impacting her mobility and fine motor skills. Despite the physical and cognitive challenges, she resolved to fight depression and embrace a positive mindset, determined to regain as much functionality as possible. Her resilience was further tested three years later when her mother, her primary caregiver after the stroke, passed away due to chronic kidney disease, a condition exacerbated by the stress of her daughter’s illness. Akwara, an only child who had also lost her father earlier, faced these immense personal losses with unwavering strength and faith, clinging to the belief that her survival had a purpose.
Against all odds, amidst her ongoing recovery and grief, Akwara found love. A chance encounter at a pop-up store in Lagos led to a connection with a man who would later become her husband. Their shared conversations about life’s complexities deepened their bond, culminating in marriage in May 2023. This new chapter in her life underscored Akwara’s unwavering belief in the possibility of finding happiness and love despite facing significant challenges.
Akwara’s experiences fueled a passion for advocacy and awareness. She established the My Ability in Disability Foundation to educate others about stroke, particularly targeting younger demographics often unaware of their vulnerability. Her own story served as a powerful testament that stroke can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. Akwara emphasized the importance of regular health check-ups, highlighting how a simple, treatable heart infection, if detected earlier, could have averted her life-altering experience. She lamented the missed opportunity for a simple course of antibiotics that could have prevented the cascade of events leading to her stroke.
The stroke significantly impacted Akwara’s professional life as a lawyer. Upon attempting to return to her law firm, she realized the extent of the cognitive damage, finding herself unable to perform even basic legal tasks. After a three-month struggle, she made the difficult decision to resign, recognizing her inability to fulfill her professional duties. While she no longer actively practices law, she retains her legal qualifications and has channeled her energy into entrepreneurial pursuits, running a business offering short-term rentals of beach houses, apartments, and cars. This venture aligns with her resilient spirit, focusing on enabling others to enjoy life’s experiences.
Beyond her business, Akwara has embraced her role as a public speaker and author, using her platform to share her story and advocate for stroke awareness. Her second book, “Hey, I Spotted a Stroke,” is aimed at children, reflecting her commitment to educating even the youngest members of society about stroke and its potential impact. This proactive approach aims to dispel myths and empower individuals to take control of their health, promoting early detection and preventative measures.
Akwara’s journey has been marked by insensitive comments and misconceptions surrounding her condition. She faced accusations of witchcraft, both directed at her and her mother, highlighting the stigma and lack of understanding surrounding stroke, particularly within some communities. She also encountered the pervasive belief that stroke survivors should seek spiritual intervention rather than medical treatment. These experiences solidified her resolve to combat misinformation and promote informed perspectives on stroke and disability. She firmly believes in the power of knowledge and education to dispel these harmful beliefs and foster empathy and understanding.
Akwara’s overarching message is one of resilience, hope, and the importance of advocacy. She challenges the notion of stroke survivors as limited, emphasizing their ability to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. Her own life stands as a testament to this belief. Through her foundation, speaking engagements, and writing, she empowers fellow stroke survivors and inspires others facing adversity. Akwara’s story is a powerful reminder that regardless of the challenges life throws our way, with determination, perseverance, and a positive mindset, it is possible to overcome, heal, and find purpose.
