Sometimes life throws us a pitch we aren’t expecting. This happened to Lin Wisman on March 6, 1997 when she unexpectedly experienced a brainstem hemorrhage. This event came close to ending her life but instead gave her the opportunity to recreate her life. At the time of her stroke Lin was a 46-year-old woman who had never experienced any major health problems. The doctors could find no reason for her stroke. She had none of the usual problems such as high blood pressure or a weak blood vessel.

After 4 months and 3 weeks in three different hospitals including 7 weeks at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago she left the hospital to begin rebuilding her life.

Since that time she has undergone tradition therapy, as well as various non-traditional therapies. Most important she has maintained a positive attitude and the will to improve. She continues to research and try new methods to improve.

In 2000 she began volunteering for The Stroke Network, an online support organization. The Stroke Network is able to provide information and support for stroke survivors, family members, and caregivers.

Lin edits the monthly newsletter, StrokeNet. The newsletter draws together information for the stroke family. Its mission is to help members of the stroke family to share and to obtain info they might not otherwise receive. StrokeNet features regular columns as well as assorted articles of interest. One of the most popular features is the publication of the stories of readers. See the newsletter online by clicking StrokeNet.

Before her stroke Lin was involved in the fields of education, fund raising and computer support. For 10 years she lived in Belgium where she managed the company Service Ventures that provides computer support to companies.

Lin currently lives in the Chicago suburbs. She makes her home with her sister.