The comeback she wrote
Natalie’s story ends with a new beginning.
From the sudden blow of a major stroke to standing once again at the front of a classroom, Natalie’s story is a testament to quick action, cutting-edge medical care, determination and the power of family support.
Natalie was grateful to go to her daughter Jaya’s graduation.
Since recovering from stroke, Natalie calls herself a “champion.”
Natalie is a published author now and back in the classroom as a teacher.
On a warm July morning in 2019, 42-year-old Natalie was at home in Toronto when her world shifted in an instant. A wave of disorientation hit, her speech slurred and she felt unwell in a way she couldn’t name. Fortunately, her daughter, Jaya, age 19, was there to see what Natalie could not, that something was terribly wrong.
Without hesitation, Natalie’s daughter called 911. Her rapid action likely saved Natalie’s life.
By the time paramedics arrived, the damage was already underway. Natalie was having a severe left-brain stroke, what’s known as full Left Middle Cerebral Artery syndrome. At Sunnybrook Hospital doctors acted fast, treating her with endovascular therapy. By inserting a carotid artery stent through one of Natalie’s blood vessels, they removed a clot and restored blood flow to her brain.
This new technique was trialed and refined by neurologist Dr. Michael Hill – with the help of Heart and Stroke Foundation funding. It dramatically reduces stroke-related deaths and disabilities.
In the days that followed, the shock of the medical emergency gave way to the realities of a long path ahead to recovery. Natalie now had aphasia, which affected her ability to speak fluently and changed the cadence of her writing, even though she could still think clearly. Natalie had big goals in life — to become a vice principal and a published author. After the stroke, it was no longer certain she could resume working as a teacher.
After two weeks at Sunnybrook, Natalie underwent an intensive stay at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. Every day brought gruelling exercises and small victories. “I never gave up — that’s just me,” says Natalie, “I’m a go-getter all the time.” It helped that her family was never far from her side, reassuring Natalie that her old self wasn’t lost.
During the 18 months Natalie spent on leave from teaching, she focused on her recovery. Volunteering at a church’s after-school program and in a local school, she kept her passion for education alive. Eventually, neuropsychological testing cleared her for a return to work.
This year, Natalie joined other people living with stroke to surprise Dr. Hill in person. It was an emotional day for everyone in the room.
Today, Natalie calls herself a “champion.” Surviving a stroke was only her first victory. Reclaiming her purpose was the next big win. Not only did she return to the classroom, but she also published her first book — a novel, inspired by her daughter ’s scoliosis journey and astonishing return to dancing only three months after surgery.
“Her name is Jaya, and that means victory,” says Natalie. “She’s like me. We’re both victorious.”
- See the researchers working on more life-saving breakthroughs
- Learn more about stroke research and recovery
- See how EVT is changing outcomes for people living with stroke
Taking on impossible strokes
Dr. Michael Hill, a professor of neurology, took on the most severe forms of stroke — once believed to be untreatable. Thanks to the advances he and his team made in endovascular treatment (EVT), an ischemic stroke in 2025 doesn’t automatically lead to death or the loss of independence. Today, many people living with stroke can return to work, stay active and share in meaningful milestones with the ones they love.
After Donald had a stroke at 26, a treatment breakthrough helped him reclaim his independence.
Melissa was 28 when she had a stroke. Thanks to advances in research, she finished university and got a job in her dream field.
John’s wish to walk his daughter down the aisle came true, thanks to a revolutionary stroke treatment.
EVT let Natalie write new life chapters — publishing a children's book, teaching, and watching her daughter graduate.
Mark is swinging his clubs on the golf course and dirt biking on the trails again, after groundbreaking stroke treatment.
Following advanced stroke treatment, Amanda’s greatest recovery milestone wasn’t physical — it was seeing her children and knowing who they were again.
