7/27/2021
‘I feel like I’m making a difference:’ Berkshire woman starts Facebook group to share stroke recovery journey
Erin Fernandes is a two-time stroke survivor, who CTL has been working with for the past two years. Erin is a remarkable human being who has inspired us all!
Erin has shown incredible courage, strength and resilience, in spite of the challenges she has faced. And, now she is inspiring other stroke survivors with a Facebook group she started during the pandemic called ‘That Vegan Disabled Gal.’
Please be sure to visit her Facebook group and give it a LIKE + SHARE with friends and family or anyone it may help or inspire. She welcomes anyone to her group. Please send her some love and encouragement. ❤
Below is Erin's story written by Spectrum News 1.
Spectrum News 1
By Matt Ristaino Berkshire County
Published 5:15 PM ET JUL. 23, 2021
BECKET, Mass. - Every day, Erin Fernandes does several simple exercises, trying to build up strength as she recovers from her second stroke.
“At first, when I had the stroke, I did get better,” said Fernandes. “Two years in the hospital, I learned how to walk again. I still needed assistance with things, but I could function. And then, the second stroke, well, now I’m here.”
What You Need To Know
Becket resident Erin Fernandes is recovering from two strokes
Fernandes is physically disabled and needs assistance with most daily tasks
She started a Facebook group to chronicle her recovery during the pandemic
The group has almost 500 members and motivates her to keep going
Fernandes has difficulty doing anything but very simple tasks on her own. It’s been five years since her second stroke, but she’s not giving up hope of becoming more independent.
“I hold no illusions that I’ll be running marathons any time,” said Fernandes. “I used to be a runner, but I’m very realistic about what my abilities are. I would just like to be able to walk into a room and function normally with my walker.”
During the pandemic, Fernandes started a Facebook group called ‘That Vegan Disabled Gal.’
She posts to the group every day, giving updates on her recovery and connecting with others in similar situations.
“I do get a lot of likes and comments,” said Fernandes. “It’s just me doing my physical therapy or me doing whatever daily activity I’m doing. It helps me.”
The group has grown to nearly 500 members, and Fernandes recently was invited to start co-hosting a podcast, called ‘An Apple a Day.’
Sharing her experiences gives her the motivation she needs to keep going in her recovery.
“They’ve told me that it really helped them, so it makes me feel good,” said Fernandes. “I feel like I’m making a difference. As minor as it is, I’m making a difference in the world. Everyone needs a purpose I guess.”
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