It was a regular Labour Day afternoon when everything changed. Joshua, a 52-year-old father of three, had a massive stroke. His wife, Esther, and their children returned home to find him collapsed on the kitchen floor, barely conscious. In an instant, their world was turned upside down.

In the days that followed, the uncertainty was overwhelming. Joshua lost the ability to communicate, and Esther didn’t know where to turn. “It felt like stumbling through the dark,” she said. “We were lost, scared, and had no idea what came next.”

Through March of Dimes Canada’s After Stroke program, Joshua and Esther found a lifeline. With a dedicated coordinator by their side, they received a personalized recovery plan, caregiving resources, and emotional support that gave them hope and direction.

Today, Joshua is making an inspiring recovery. His ability to communicate verbally is coming back. He’s reconnecting with his family. And, not long ago, he completed a 10km run on his own. “After the stroke, I never thought we’d be able to sing again, dance again, or eat cake together,” Esther shared. “Thanks to After Stroke, we’re doing all of that and more.”