A group of extraordinary women whose husbands survived devastating strokes are preparing to trek the Great Wall of China to raise funds for Stroke Foundation and increase stroke awareness across Australia.
Friends Tracy Ward and Vicki Penn have formed the team "Super Stroke Wives & Friends" along with Tracy's workmate and Michelle Sandell-Hay who is a fiend for adventure, and will embark on the challenging trek next month, demonstrating the same resilience and determination that has helped them navigate life after stroke.
Team Super Stroke Wives & Friends (L-R): Vicki, Michelle and Tracy
Tracy, a Sustainability Officer at Muswellbrook Shire Council, and Vicki formed a unique bond 12 years ago when their husbands both suffered strokes at age 48, just two weeks apart.
"Vicki is my 'stroke wifey'," says Tracy. "We met in a rehabilitation facility after both of our husbands had strokes at the same age. We were both trying to find a new 'normal' whilst supporting our husbands' arduous recoveries."
Tracy's husband Stephen, a current Muswellbrook Shire Councillor, survived a left ischemic stroke followed by a brain bleed which doctors initially feared may leave him unable to walk or speak again.
Despite the initial grim prognosis, Tracy and Stephen refused to give up, and despite many ongoing challenges, Stephen fought to recover, requiring extensive rehabilitation therapy to help him regain the ability to walk and communicate.
The women's journey highlights the profound impact stroke can have on families. Tracy was left caring for two young children, a seven-year-old and an 18-month-old, while Vicki had five children at home, the youngest just starting kindergarten.
Tracy and her family. Husband Stephen, and children Emily (18) and Patrick (13).
"It's great to have other people in your life that just get it," Tracy says of the support network they've built, which includes two other "stroke wives" they've connected with over the years.
The team has been training rigorously, with Tracy doing 60 flights of stairs most days along with strength work. They recently completed their first hike to the Denman lookout.
Tracy emphasises that stroke recovery is lifelong: "Recovery is for the rest of your life, not just six months or a year. You can continue to improve for years, and as long as you never give up, you can keep moving forward."
She also stresses the importance of recognising the F.A.S.T (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) signs of stroke, for early intervention, noting that delays in reaching a stroke unit worsened her husband's condition.
Stroke Foundation CEO Dr. Lisa Murphy agrees: "Tracy's experience highlights why recognising the F.A.S.T. signs and acting quickly is absolutely critical. Approximately 1.9 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated. Knowing and responding to the F.A.S.T. signs can literally be the difference between recovery and permanent disability, or even life and death."
We urge all Australians to learn the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke:
F - Check their FACE. Has their mouth drooped?
A - Can they lift both ARMS?
S - Is their SPEECH slurred? Do they understand you?
T - TIME is critical.
If you see any of these signs, call 000 immediately.
About the Great Wall of China Trek
The Stroke Foundation Great Wall of China Trek 2025 is a week-long adventure that challenges participants while supporting the Foundation's mission to prevent stroke, save lives, and enhance recovery for survivors.
Participants will conquer the heart-pounding Sky Ladder section of the Jinshanling Great Wall, take Tai Chi classes amidst ancient city relics, and experience a memorable homestay near the Great Wall area.
Every 11 minutes, someone in Australia experiences a stroke. By participating in fundraising events like the Great Wall Trek where participants are committed to raising $3,000 for the foundation, supporters help sustain vital programs including StrokeSafe Talks, F.A.S.T. awareness campaigns, and recovery resources like StrokeLine and the EnableMe website for survivors.
To support Tracy, Vicki, and Michelle's fundraising efforts, visit:
https://strokefoundation.grassrootz.com/greatwallofchina-2025/super-stroke-wives-and-friends
