By Mikayla van Loon
Mount Evelyn’s Nicole Gallacher has taken home the Courage Award at this year’s Stroke Foundation Stroke Awards after being nominated by her husband.
Her incredible determination to get back to living an active and healthy life after experiencing a stroke and stillbirth in early 2019, while sharing a message of hope with others, shone through at the award ceremony on 4 May.
“What an honour, I was so humbled and it was incredible to hear all the stories, of which there were many, of the other nominees,” Ms Gallacher said.
“It was so inspiring to hear what others have accomplished. On a personal note it was touching to have everything we’ve been through recognised and even more touching to know it was my husband who nominated me.”
Among the nominees there was someone putting together a book of stroke survivors stories, a parent finishing their masters degree while minding a toddler and a little boy creating a podcast of bedtime stories so no child has to go to sleep without one.
Ms Gallacher’s story is one of heartbreak at the loss of her and her husband Dave’s first child Ned but also one of joy at the birth of their son Angus.
Reliving her story through someone else’s words was challenging to hear but Ms Gallacher said it was also encouraging.
“It was very emotional receiving the award and hearing my story again, even the presenter was holding back tears telling it,” she said.
“Holding Gus in my arms just reaffirmed how far I’ve come and although what happened was utterly heartbreaking and I’d give anything for Ned to be here, I’m also incredibly lucky as I have the most beautiful family and am so grateful for Dave, Gus and our dog Lassy.”
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy congratulated each of the winners for their remarkable efforts.
“The Stroke Awards shine a light on the amazing people in our community who are making life better for survivors of stroke, and reducing the burden of stroke in our community,” Dr Lisa Murphy said.
“The calibre of winners at this year’s event demonstrates the passion, care and dedication we have in our community. That includes survivors of stroke, carers, family members, volunteers, health professionals and researchers.”
For Ms Gallacher, she remembers her outlook on life just after her stroke and thinking it was going to be hopeless, something she doesn’t want others to feel.
“I remember being in hospital and feeling like my life was over and not knowing what things would look like but thinking the future would be pretty bleak.
“Fast forward just over three years and the best thing that has ever happened to me, happened post stroke and although I hope to keep recovering there are so many wonderful things in my life and the future now looks quite bright.
“I guess my message to everyone, particularly fellow stroke survivors, is follow your dreams because with hard work, determination and hope anything is possible and I’m living proof of that.”
