Sister Survivor (Heart & Soul, February 2001) Kathryn Jackson was enjoying her busy life as a Chicago hospital administrator, a wife and mom in August 1995 when the unexpected shook her world. Jackson suffered a stroke that left her with two choices: find a way to clear the hurdle or lay down and quit. She took the first option. “I was determined to get well and be there for my family,” says the mother of two. She endured months of therapy to regain the use of her right hand, arm and leg, and the hard work paid off. Now 41, Jackson wants to help others who suffer strokes in the prime of their lives. In March 2000, she began publishing A Stroke of Success, a newsletter for stroke survivors who are 55 and younger. Jackson’s bimonthly publication provides news about treatments, advice from doctors and details about programs available to assist survivors. While the newsletter is for anyone who has endured a stroke at a relatively young age, Jackson hopes it will specifically help the disproportionately high number of black women who have strokes in midlife. According to experts, Blacks 55 and younger experience strokes at rates two to three times higher than whites. As for Jackson, her struggles are not over. She recently was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which doctors believe may have caused her stroke. Still, she has a goal in sight. “I’m going to learn to salsa,” she says. “If I can achieve that, I know I’m back.” For stroke information, call 1-800-553-6321. Read More from The Reporter »