A Stroke Stole My Voice | BORN DIFFERENT

An INSPIRATIONAL stroke survivor is using her new-found voice to advocate for disability rights. Courtney Gabrus, 24, from East Norwich, New York was born with a rare defect in the LMNA gene, a form of muscular dystrophy that is thought to affect one in a million people. The uncommon muscle weakening condition meant by the time Courtney had reached 16 years old, she could no longer stand or walk without the use of an aid. On 19 December 2016, at the age of 22, she had a stroke that changed her life forever. It paralysed the whole right side of her body and she lost her ability to speak. But with the help of friends and family Courtney learnt to speak again, and has now launched a start-up promoting advocacy for disability welfare.