It was early in the morning, around 7am, and I had been awake since 5am. I often dream a lot, and that morning was no different—I was trying to recall who and what I had dreamt about. My mom, an early bird living back in the village, was already up, and we had been chatting on WhatsApp for two hours. The conversation, lighthearted and warm, filled me with a sense of normalcy. As the hunger pangs hit, I decided it was time to get out of bed and make myself some food. But when I attempted to stand, my legs betrayed me. I couldn’t walk.
The realization hit me like a thunderclap. Panic surged through me as I struggled to make sense of what was happening. My speech, once clear and confident, was reduced to incoherent sounds. My right hand, my trusted tool for writing and creating, refused to move. In an instant, my world had changed, and the festive season I had so looked forward to became a distant dream. The devastating reality of a stroke had found me, uninvited and unrelenting.
The first few days were a blur of fear and frustration. I struggled to come to terms with what had happened. How does one go from planning holiday gatherings and celebration with friends, to fighting for basic mobility and communication? The emotional weight was almost as paralyzing as the physical challenges. I feared I would never be able to express myself fully again, let alone regain my independence. Even now, as I type this with my left hand, I am reminded of the resilience it takes to fight back against something so life-altering.
As I continue recovering from this recent stroke, I’ve decided to turn my journey into a movement—literally. I’m starting a campaign called #TheWalkWithZintle, and I’d love for you to join me. My goal is to walk more frequently around my neighborhood as part of my recovery, but also to raise awareness about spiritual violence and the devastating impact strokes have on individuals and their families.
A natural stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a clot blocking a blood vessel (ischemic stroke) or by a blood vessel bursting (hemorrhagic stroke). This lack of oxygen and nutrients can cause brain cells to die within minutes, leading to potentially life-altering consequences. Depending on the severity, a stroke can affect speech, mobility, memory, and even emotional well-being. For some, the effects are temporary, but for many others, they are permanent and deeply challenging.
I know this firsthand. The frustration of suddenly losing the ability to walk, talk, or write—even for a short time—can be overwhelming. Imagine having to relearn basic skills you once took for granted, or not being able to express yourself when your mind is brimming with thoughts. Typing this blog with just my left hand was a significant hurdle at first, but it pales in comparison to what many stroke survivors endure daily. Those without a strong support system or financial resources face even greater struggles.
One story that continues to inspire me is that of Mama Linda, whom I met in Zimbabwe while attending the SADC Summit as a WOSSO Fellow. Mama Linda shared her heart-wrenching experience of caring for her bedridden husband, who had suffered a severe stroke. As the sole breadwinner for her family, she struggled to make ends meet, often wondering how she would afford the next meal. Her husband, once the family’s provider, was now confined to bed, unable to move or speak. Mama Linda’s resilience touched me deeply then, and her story resonates even more profoundly now as I navigate my own recovery.
This campaign, #TheWalkWithZintle, is not just about me. It’s about families like Mama Linda’s who are fighting battles we often don’t see. It’s about raising funds to provide essential support—whether it’s for physical therapy, caregiving assistance, or simply putting food on the table for those who can no longer earn a living. It’s about raising awareness of how devastating strokes can be, not just for the individuals affected but for their loved ones as well.
Through this campaign, I want to create a community that walks together—not just in steps, but in solidarity. Walking has become an essential part of my recovery, and with every step I take, I think about the countless others who are unable to do the same. By joining me, you’ll not only be supporting stroke survivors but also helping to shine a light on the urgent need for resources, awareness, and compassion.
Whether you can join me in person or support from afar, your participation matters. Together, we can make every step count—for survivors, for families, and for a future where no one faces the aftermath of a stroke alone. If my story has moved you, I invite you to donate to this cause. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
#TheWalkWithZintle isn’t just a campaign; it’s a movement of love, resilience, and hope. Let’s turn our steps into stories of healing and transformation.
Will you walk with me? listen, we don't even have to walk, as I recover we can walk on the beach and even go hiking. How about that? Sounds good? hell yeah!!! So let's do it.
Donate To: #TheWalkWithZntleCampaign
Acc.No: 63110168233- FNB- Current Account.
With all my love,
Zintle- A Babe recovering from a stroke.
