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"Walking together in kindness" artwork produced for Gold Coast Health by Riki Salam, We are 27 Creative.
Three years ago, Upper Coomera mother of three Amber's life changed in an instant when she suffered a major stroke.
She arrived at Gold Coast University Hospital's (GCUH) Emergency Department unable to move the right side of her body and experiencing significant difficulties communicating. Scans revealed a blood clot in her brain.
Amber was treated with a clot-busting medication before undergoing an endovascular thrombectomy to remove the clot.
Stroke Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) Haylee Berrill has supported Amber throughout her recovery journey.
"The left side of the brain controls movement on the right side of the body and contains the areas responsible for understanding and producing language," Haylee said.
"When these areas are damaged, it can result in aphasia, which affects a person's ability to communicate."
Amber spent five weeks in the GCUH neurology unit receiving acute rehabilitation before transitioning to a dedicated rehabilitation ward. There, she began the challenging process of relearning how to walk and communicate.
Now, Amber and her partner Jason are reflecting on their journey in the hope of encouraging others facing similar circumstances.
"It's been a bit of a moving monster, navigating our way through it," Jason said.
"Before this, we worked together for a long time, so it's been a massive change for both of us."
The couple said the support they received at GCUH helped them through some of their most difficult days.
"Having some friends who worked here brought a lot of calm when we first started going through it, knowing there were people here to help us," Jason said.
"What really stood out for me was how upbeat the nurses were with Amber. They were incredibly comforting and brought a sense of calm and belief that things would be okay.
"The doctors were great too. They took the time to explain what was happening, what recovery might look like and how they were investigating the cause of Amber's stroke."
When Amber was discharged in June 2023, she received a surprise send-off from the nurses and doctors who had supported her throughout her hospital stay.
You can see the heartwarming moment on our Facebook page here.
"We didn't know they were going to line up for her as she came out, so it was really special," Jason said.
Today, Amber continues to receive outpatient rehabilitation and support.
This National Stroke Week (3 – 9 August), Jason hopes their experience can offer reassurance to others beginning their own recovery journey.
“Every stroke victim is different, but there is always an answer,” said Jason.
“Believe in your recovering and trying to get through it as quick as you can. The more effort you put into recovery, the more results you’ll see.”
With three children at home, the couple say they have all the motivation they need to keep moving forward.
"We've been trying to spend more time together as a family since this happened," Jason said.
"Going through something like this reminds you of what's important. You never know what's around the corner.
"Don't give up. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Believe in yourself and keep going."
