September 18, 2022

1 in 100,000 - Interview with Orlena Shek, Moyamoya Stroke Survivor & Author of Emerging From The Smoke.

45 minutes

Chime In, Send Us a Text Message!

In Episode 33 of the Know Stroke Podcast, we were joined by Orlena Shek.Orlena Shek is a former in-house software technology licensing attorney. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and two young children. After experiencing major hemorrhagic stroke in late 2011 due to a rare congenital condition called Moyamoya Disease, she put her law career on hold to focus on her rehab and her family.The numbers that she shares speak for themselves to the long and turbulent journey she went on.14 ambulance rides within 5 months6 week hospitalization at Stanford. 3.5 weeks in a medically induced coma3 different acute rehab hospital stays ranging from Marin to Santa Clara County.Two 10 hour plus brain surgeries, a week apart.One thousand eight hundred paper origami cranes folded by countless co-workers, neighbors, and friends. Some of whom are on the call here tonight. More than a 100 nights spent hospitalized, away from home. 2 children:1st born pre-Stroke, 2nd born post-Stroke.1 trip to Las Vegas by myself for a Bachelorette party.Orlena shares with us today that journey and what led her to authoring a book titled "Emerging from the smoke, a collection of warrior voices"This book is a beautiful collection of short poems from 30+ stroke survivors.You can learn more about Orlena's story, and purchase here book here: https://www.storiesofstroke.com/orlena-shek/This episode can be streamed on our YouTube Channel here:https://youtu.be/4FdR39I9xLgShow Info:Music intro jingle credit to Jake Dansereau, connect at JAKEEZo on Soundcloud @user-257386777. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on this episode Thank you Caroline!Until next time, be sure to give the show a like and share, +follow and connect with us on social or contact us to be a guest on the Know Stroke Podcast

Support Our Show!
Thank you for helping us to continue to make great content. We appreciate your generosity!

Support the show

Show credits:
Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.

Connect with Us and Share our Show on Social:
Website | Linkedin | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Substack

Know Stroke Podcast Disclaimer:
Our podcast and media advertising services are for informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.