Hi! My name is Joanie Peckels. I had a carotid dissection 23 years ago when I was 35. When I had my stroke I was totally paralyzed on my right side and I could not speak at all for 2 weeks. During that time I could not read or add 1 and 1 together. I had two little kids aged 6 and 8. I was right handed but now I’m left handed for the second half of my life! I have come a long way and now, I volunteer at PeaceHeath SW hospital as a Stroke Ambassador and I am a grandma! I have helped run the PeaceHealth Stroke and Brain Injury Group with the Stroke Coordinators there for about 15 years.