Elsie Lange
Twelve-year-old Chloe Ferguson says she feels proud of herself for being named a finalist in national Stroke Awards.
The Kyneton tween is one of three young finalists for a new award titled the Stroke Warrior Award, recognising a significant contribution of a person under 18 in recovery, stroke awareness, fundraising or advocacy.
“I made a presentation about my stroke and my dad and I raised awareness through Kyneton Football Netball Club and my dad’s work,” Chloe said.
Two years ago, Chloe, who is autistic, came down with a terrible headache and only after surgery did they discover she’d had a stroke.
She was in a coma for five days after the event, which her dad George said was “life changing”.
He said he wanted people to go and look up the Stroke Foundation and educate themselves, because “it’s not just old people, it’s for young people as well”.
According to the Stroke Foundation, there are almost 450,000 people living with stroke in Australia.
“My family is very proud of me, but I haven’t told my friends yet because I want to tell them in person,” Chloe said.
She said she’s excited to be going to the award ceremony, with winners announced on Wednesday, May 4.
