Learn To Thrive With Purpose

Side-by-side photos of Seniors in Service coordinator Michelle Mason showing her stroke recovery journey from rehabilitation to thriving independently.

After surviving a devastating stroke that left her in a coma for an entire year, Michelle Mason refused to let her story end there. Through determination, resilience, and years of recovery, she rebuilt her independence and discovered a renewed sense of purpose helping others improve their health and well-being. During a recent Brunch Buddies presentation, Michelle shared her powerful journey and encouraged others to learn the warning signs of stroke, prioritize prevention, and focus not just on surviving, but truly thriving.

If your loved one was having a stroke would you recognize the signs? Nearly 92 million Americans are living with some form of cardiovascular disease or the effects of stroke. Our very own Sun City Center Coordinator, Michelle Mason, suffered a stroke in 2014 that put hexr in a coma for an entire year. When she woke up the doctors gave her little hope for a full recovery. Today, through hard work and determination, she is thriving!

80% of all strokes are preventable and 87% of all strokes can be treated if hospital care is provided in time. Michelle spent a total of 2.5 years living in a Skilled Nursing Facility, 1.5 years in an Independent Living Facility, and then an additional 2 years with a private aide. In August 2021, she moved to the Tampa area on her own. It wasn’t an easy journey but today she is able to live independently and has made it her purpose to help others.

She shared her powerful story of healing during Brunch Buddies and provided information about the lifestyle changes it takes to prevent, treat, and beat this prevalent disease. Michelle asserted "whatever it took was kind of my attitude, so no matter the pain or the surgeries . . . I did it! I don't want to just survive, I want to thrive. I want to control my destiny. I want to do everything I can to be the best me." Watch a recording of Michelle’s presentation below, learn to B.E.F.A.S.T., and see how she made it her mission not just to survive but to thrive.