November 25, 2022 will be a day I'll never forget. While out in the back marshes of Barnegat Bay, I suffered a Ischemic stroke due to a Vertebral artery dissection in my neck.
I had suffered an injury in my neck at some point, days or weeks prior and had no idea. I just kept living my life with my wife and two daughters (7 and 16 months at the time), surfing, fishing, spearfishing every chance I had. The morning of the 25th started as every other day. Around 9:30, I started the engine on the small boat I was in and instantly began to see double and collapsed in the back of my boat. If not for the efforts of my Best friend, I would have died right there in the Marsh and it would have taken Days to find me with the remote location we were in. Shame on me for not having my Personal Locator Beacon on me at the time. My friend evacuated me out to where Marine Police were standing by who rushed me to Jersey Shore Medical Center. By the time we had found them, I had no movement in my left side, I couldn't Speak, and I thought I was going to die. The thoughts of my Wife and Daughters, were going through my head doubtful if I would never surf, dive, fish, ever again. The thought I wouldn't get to share my love of the outdoors with them crushed me not knowing what was going on with my body.
The Amazing Team at Jersey Shore quickly diagnosed me having a stroke and gave me a Shot of Tenecteplase (TNK), within 24 hours, I was back to a full range of movement. I was sidelined for 3 months while my body healed. This whole time I was extremely tankful that maybe, I would have the ability to do the things that make me the man I am today. I know I am a lucky man who is still alive and moving today thanks to an amazing friend, and a great medical team at Jersey Shore.
In getting back to physical activity I rediscovered my love for prone paddle boarding. Getting on my stomach, or knees and pushing the distance as far as I could. When another great friend informed me of the Around the Cape paddle that Benefits the DESATNICK Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed to help those living with Spinal Cord Injury in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Ocean and Monmouth Counties, I couldn't think of a better way to put my paddling to use for those Living with Spinal Cord Injuries. The feeling of helplessness due to an unforeseen injury is something no one should ever have to go through. If I can help even raise a little bit of money for a great cause, I am all in. Last year my friends and family stood behind me and constantly humbled me in their generosity to help an organization that I found to help me get back on my feet. This is the second year I will be asking you to humble me again in my efforts to Help those in our area.
Please Help me reach my goal of $1500 to help this great cause and cheer me on as I paddle 15 miles around Cape May June 23rd. Every Penny counts, for this great cause.
Thank you,
~Brendan, Amy, Audrey and Hannah
