Cindy Flynn will be running 13.1 miles in sunny Phoenix, Ariz., Jan. 9, 2005, to raise funds for
"Train to End Stroke." After surviving four strokes, she is training every day to prepare for
her second Train to End Stroke event.
Who/what contributed to your inner strength?
Knowing that I was a mom and a wife contributed to my inner strength. I needed to fight and survive. I needed to prove to myself and others that I am a survivor. I had four strokes and I have courageously survived each one. It was a struggle to say the least. I hated life for what had happened to me. My independence was taken away. I needed help with normal tasks people take for granted, like driving to the market and appointments. I needed help showering and even dressing.
When in your life was your inner strength particularly tested and how did you deal with the incident?
There were three events in my life that tested my inner strength.
My mom died 12 years ago as a result of cancer. The suddenness of her death, a week prior to my birthday, was overwhelming.
The second test was having my strokes. I needed my mom to tell me that everything was going to be OK, even though I had two young sons and a husband that I loved very much. A mom is someone who makes everything better. I gained weight from the medication I needed. I developed short term memory loss, which I still have. Now, I am blind in one eye. Part of one of my fingers was removed because it had gangrene. I had to walk with a cane. I lost my self-esteem.
The biggest test was my husband's death on Sept. 5, 2003, as a result of cancer. I had to be strong to take care of him. I kept thinking he was going to die suddenly like my mom, but he lasted almost two years, in and out of the hospital that whole time. Since I did not have my driver’s license, the situation was tough. I relied on family and friends again. They would drop me off in the morning and then pick me up later in the day. My husband went through treatments and eventually needed to have scar tissue removed from his brain. He was sent home with hospice and died less than two weeks after surgery. He did, fortunately, get to see his granddaughter that was his pride and joy.
What suggestions do you have to help people realize their capabilities?
Live life to the fullest. Don’t give into what is dealt to you. Remember you can accomplish anything that you set your mind to accomplishing. Let everyone know you are a survivor. Live one day at a time.
What are your next goals and what positive thoughts or activities keep you striving toward your goals?
My next goal is to run in another event for the Train to End Stroke program. I will participate in a half marathon on Jan. 9, 2005, in Phoenix. This is a positive program because it helps people who might not be as fortunate as me to survivor their stroke. Funds raised go toward education, research and advocacy. I am hoping to make a difference. I believe everyone has a chance in life. I am grateful to be given a second chance to lead a somewhat normal life with my disabilities.
