P.E.I. stroke survivor shares story on new Heart and Stroke website

Two years after having a stroke at age 39, Jen Bogart is sharing her story with Canadians. She has made three videos that are featured on the new Heart and Stroke website, part of the group's rebranding campaign.

"I wrote to Heart and Stroke and asked if I could stuff envelopes of all things," explained Bogart. "Once I told them my story and told them I was a stroke survivor, we had a nice meeting and it just kind of snowballed from there."

The people at Heart and Stroke realized Bogart could play a much more important role and sent a video crew to Prince Edward Island to film her telling her story, just eight months after her stroke.

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"As a stroke survivor, and a young survivor, I thought that it was so important that people were aware that there are stroke survivors at such an early age and that I have recovered," explained Bogart.

"I wanted to inspire other stroke survivors and motivate them to get better too."

Know the symptoms

Bogart also speaks to groups about the work of Heart and Stroke locally, as well as sharing her story nationally.

"For us on P.E.I., it's an absolute pleasure to see that we also have stories of success," said Charlotte Comrie, CEO for the Heart and Stroke Foundation for PEI and Nova Scotia.

The video also reminds viewers of the symptoms to watch for in someone having a stroke. Bogart recounts how she was with friends, who rushed her to hospital where she was given life-saving medication, a clot busting drug called tPA.

Heart and Stroke helped to fund research into developing tPA and using it for treating stroke victims, part of why Bogart feels so grateful to the group.

"It saved my life because I was only about an hour into the stroke," she said.

In June of this year, the crew returned to film another segment with Bogart. It highlights the risk of developing dementia after having a stroke, and is also featured on the national Heart and Stroke website.

Part of national rebranding

Heart and Stroke launched its new website, and new logo this month, the first rebranding in 60 years.

"It's been really important to us that we evolve into an organization that appeals across all age groups and all demographics in Canada," explained Comrie.

"We're hoping that it strikes Canadians as creating a sense of urgency, it's a heart and a stroke, or a slash, and it profiles the sudden interruption or disruption of life as you know it in the event that you have a cardiac emergency or a stroke,"said Comrie.

"We haven't always been perceived to have diseases that are urgent," she added.

Jen Bogart likes the new look for Heart and Stroke.

"I think it's brilliant," said Bogart.

"I love the logo, a simple heart and a simple stroke, both items send that message that it's immediate, you need to get to the hospital immediately."

Making a difference

Bogart admits she has mixed feelings watching the videos.

"It's very emotional, it takes me right back to those moments and it also reminds me how strong I am, which is a nice little reminder," she said.

But she's happy she made the videos and will continue to do what she can to raise awareness about strokes.

"That's exactly how I want this to play out. I want the public to be aware and if I can save even one life through this video, then I would be forever grateful and that's one of the reasons why I did it," she said.

"If this video can save one life, then I've done my job."