Emily Dillingham was 27 years old and in the best shape of her life when she had a massive ischemic stroke. While running a 3.5-mile race, she felt a sharp, piercing pain above her right eyebrow. The sensation slowly crept to the back of her head. “It was like someone had taken a knife and sliced my skull,” Emily recalls. She had no idea what was happening, so she decided to push through and just keep running. By the time Emily crossed the finish line, the entire left side of her face was drooping, she had tunnel vision, and her left arm wasn’t functioning enough to unscrew a bottle. A medical professional told her she was having a stroke. Emily was rushed to the hospital where she was given a clot-dissolving drug called tissue plasminogen activator. The drug saved her life. After months of physical and occupational therapy, she slowly recovered and started training again. She ran a half marathon 11 months after her stroke. Two years later, she completed the Boston Marathon. “The reason I credit philanthropy for my survival is because donors of the past funded research, which fueled the discovery of this new drug that literally saved my life,” Emily says. Today, Emily is one of our own senior philanthropy officers at Swedish Foundation, helping to fundraise for crucial research and patient care at Swedish. “I get to be one of many voices that raise awareness and help people give now to save more lives in the future.” During National Stroke Awareness Month, join Emily in making a difference. Give today at Swedish Foundation. https://lnkd.in/gdtMEttj #HealthCare #Research #Philanthropy #Stroke
That’s my girl!! Overcoming and giving back! 👏🏽💛👏🏽💛
I am so grateful our paths crossed! You are an inspiration.
Unbelievable story and demonstrates your persistence, passion and strength! You rock Emily!
Amazing story. So glad Emily is on our team.
You are amazing Emily Dillingham! Always so inspired by you!
Oh my gosh, Emily Dillingham , I didn’t know this! You are a warrior and inspiration!
Amazing story, Emily Dillingham! So glad we’ve connected!
Inspirational!
You're amazing Emily!!!
Senior Philanthropy Officer at Swedish Foundation
2moRemember: you do NOT need to finish the race if something feels off. Please learn the warning signs of stroke: Balance is off Eyesight changes Face drooping Arm weakness Speech difficulty Terrible headache —Call 911!—