Stroke related deaths have been known to be the 2nd leading cause of death in Santa Barbara, according to the department of public health. Rarely do people know what a stroke is, let alone what causes one for that matter. Basically, a stroke is when blood overflows to the brain, blocking oxygen from reaching it. At given moments the sudden burst of a vessel causes damaging repercussions that affect the system as a whole, resulting in disabilities, improper functions of the body, paralysis and even death.

Fortunately, Santa Barbara has recently been raising awareness about strokes. The American Heart Association has planned a walk on Sept. 26, one that will raise consciousness about cardiovascular disease and stroke. The purpose is to “empower our community members to take charge of their health,” according to the association’s website.

This issue hits very close to home, my mother is a stroke survivor. She suffered four strokes, five minutes apart, and she’s alive. She’s somewhat paralyzed on the right side of her body. I haven’t heard her speak for about four years or so. The mere words that we all take for granted, I wish she could utter once more.

Those of us who didn’t grow up in Santa Barbara are more than amazed to learn how this is one of the leading causes of death. Although my mom was fortunate to still be alive, the consequences she faces are atrocious.

For a while she suffered from seizures that struck at anytime, they were uncontrollable. Whether by chance or by mercy, medicine soon took control of the situation and alleviated her symptoms.

This is not the case for other survivors. Their lives are now faced with unnecessary obstacles that will scar them for life.

Sadly, a stroke affects more than just one person. There are so many procedures that sufferers must follow when exposed to such a situation. I recall having my mom be in a coma for about a week, the wretched environment we were in was less than hopeful. Feelings stirred within us that made us more appreciative, yet so distressed.

The case with my mother was so difficult because she went through a tedious, four-hour long brain surgery that did not guarantee she would live. During this procedure, they had to remove a piece of her skull because her brain was incredibly swollen.

Many have to face these kinds of traumas, especially in Santa Barbara, which is ironic. A place so beautiful equipped with so many natural wonders, has been faced with a depressing situation. Many Santa Barbarians suffer from strokes, and the saddest part is that many don’t survive.

The road to recovery is not a rapid one, but much rather a tedious process full of tribulations and various impediments. Recovery can take anywhere between a few months to a few years.

At given moments, frustrations strike and many give up during therapy and hospital visits. It’s a horrible process, one that the victim and even the family experience.

Strokes are heartbreaking, evidently. There are many ways to deal with such an occurrence. How to deal with it differs from person to person. When faced with such an obstacle, many seem to give up.

My mom is slowly but surely recuperating, attempting to overcome this troublesome experience. All we can do is support her in overcoming it all.

In Santa Barbara, we can be aware and realize that what we have cannot be taken for granted.