You don't expect a woman in her thirties to have a stroke. When Sandra had one, it took some time for the reality to hit home...

Sandra and Michel

Sandra Fox was a director, writer and producer in her early thirties and had just been to Israel where her husband Michel was working when she had a stroke. Her cousin Debbie called around and was a bit worried when she found Sandra unable to speak. Then her parents came round and called an ambulance. She could see the hospital and then her brain had 'gone'.

Sandra Fox

Michel remembers seeing questions in Sandra's eyes. Questions like, 'Why do you look so upset?' She was in hospital for six months and she wasn't really aware that she was there. After that they had to start from stratch.

When Sandra first came round the first thing she did was hum. Then she started speaking French. English was very difficult for her. Sandra remembers wanting to say something but her lips wouldn't move. She started to go to speech therapy once a week. Her husband brought her a children's book and it started with 'a'. Sandra thought 'what is 'a'? There are still gaps in her memory.

But what other challenges did the stroke bring?
Sandra wants to write again, but her hand is still effected by the stroke. Tragically, she was pregnant at the time, and the unborn baby died. The doctors now say that pregnancy is too dangerous for her, 'so that's it'.

Lynette Chazen-Hart

One of the things that Sandra has thrown herself into is music. Performing in "Mad about Gershwin", which she has also staged and produced has been difficult, but she's thrilled by the fact that when she is singing, the audience can't tell that she's had a stroke. Her cousins, Debbie and Lynette, who are in the show say, 'for goodness sake, if Sandra can learn all the words so can we!'

Debbie Chazen

'Mad About Gershwin, A musical journey through the life and times of George Gershwin' is being performed at the New End Theatre, Hampstead, on Sunday 21st July. Proceeds go to the Stroke Association. Box Office: 0207 794 0022.

Useful links:
The Stroke Association
Speakability For people with Aphasia
Aphasia Information