This is a book of true stories about ordinary people -people who didn't know much about strokes until they experienced one. They got to the right place at the right time and received stroke reversal treatment that got them back to living normal lives. They and their families agreed to tell their stories in the hope that others will have the same successful outcomes. The stories are based on transcripts of taped interviews with the patients and their families.

“When the stroke hit me, I didn't notice anything. I didn't notice that my speech was slurred and that I was drooling. I mean, there was no pain, discomfort, dizziness or weakness. I didn't now anything was happening to me.”
– “Shotgun”Jackson

“Some people see me as a stroke victim, but I'm a stroke survivor ! For those people who have high cholesterol or heart problems, see your physician and take care of those problems because stroke can get you at any time.“
– Heather Williams

“I called my Mom and told her that I was about to pass out. I got into bed because it felt like somebody was on top of me. I tried to talk to Mom on the phone, but I could not talk. I got into bed , figuring I would sleep it off and feel better when I woke up. I tried to dial 911 but I could not operate the phone. I have my boyfriend's number on speed dial and I must have dialed him but I do not remember that either.Then I dropped the phone behind the bed.“
– Amanda Horne

“I lost power on my right side and was talking out of one side of my mouth. I knew something was wrong but I could not put my finger on it.Then suddenly, my entire right side was paralyzed. They rushed me down for a CT scan.They found the clot and began to administer tPA (clot buster ) and in three to five minutes I was able to make a fist with my right hand ! That is when I lost it. I cried so hard. It was overwhelming ! My speech also started getting better.“
– John Liezert

“We've always viewed the event as the best case of a worst possible scenario. She fell in front of a firehouse. In the ER they made the call that got her to Saint Luke's Stroke Center.Things just barely worked out.The blessing of it all is that the kids are perfectly healthy.“
– Jason McClure (husband of Amy who suffered a stroke when 27 weeks pregnant with twins)

“Get there as soon as possible! You have a three-hour window and time is very, very critical. Don't put it off.If we had not heard the (radio) message for Saint Luke's Stroke Center, we would have gone to the closest hospital.You need a stroke center where they can
do the clot busting.”
– Monte Davis

“The way I look at it is that you know when good people come into your life. Along life's path, regardless of the circumstances, it's a gift. I see life differently now.The things that were stressful and worrisome before, they are small details now.We'll figure it out.We just see the world differently.“
– Shelly Arnold