Ashleigh Mackey - Brain Injury Survivor

Can you share about the brain injury event itself?

In 2020, I had my first stroke. In 2025, I found out I had another—and have now been diagnosed with MoyaMoya. I feel like I’m currently in the thick of it, but I’m thankful for a community that understands the struggles. 💗

How did you feel during the first days, weeks, or months after the injury?

Scared, hopeful, overwhelmed. I will say I also felt relieved to finally have a diagnosis that explained what was happening and what was causing my strokes.

What kind of rehabilitation therapies or treatment have been most helpful through the process of recovery?

We’re planning for possible surgery this summer, so I’ll keep you all updated.

If there have been setbacks or repeated injuries, describe that journey:

In 2020, I had what they believed was an isolated stroke. But in 2025, I began experiencing major confusion and ended up in the hospital, which started a search to figure out what was causing the strokes. I’ve now been officially diagnosed with MoyaMoya.

How has your life changed since the brain injury?

It throws everything off. I never know how I’ll feel on any given day—it feels like a gamble.

What role has support from family, friends, or community played in your journey?
It’s kept me going. My family and friends have held me up during hard times, and this community—people who understand what I’m going through—has made all the difference. 💗

Have there been any moments of breakthrough or unexpected positives along the way?

Discovering joy in the little things has made this journey so much more beautiful in the face of tragedy.

What has surprised you about this journey with brain injury?

How similar—but also how different—all of our journeys can be.

What do you know now that you wish you knew at the beginning of this journey?

I’ve since become a stroke coordinator, and I think newly-post-stroke Ashleigh would be so proud of how far I’ve come.

What does "hope" mean to you?

Hope means finding the reasons to hold on—even when everything else feels like it’s holding you down.

If you could share one encouraging message with another survivor or family, what would it be?

Please reach out, even when you feel like the people around you don’t understand. You are loved—and you have no idea how many people are walking a similar path until you connect with groups like this. 💗