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This week’s spot light is on Jan
Smith (One of the Ladies of The Fab Five for The Forsyth County Go Red
Campaign), I met her right after we were picked for the Go Red Campaign and we
were having our pictures done for the campaign and billboard. Pam was sweet and
I felt a connection right away, unfortunately I didn't get to spend a lot of
time with her. Then The Lord gave us a rare opportunity to get to know each
other. We had a Go Red event and for the first hour it was just Jan and I, we
got to talk and share our stories, here is her story:
My name is Pamela Jan Smith and my friends call me Jan. I am 53 years
old, a mom to 3 grown children and a survivor. On July 8th, 2011 I had a stroke
in the right frontal lobe. Little did I know that the stroke was caused by a
“hole in my heart”. Doctors at Forsyth determined a clot formed there and was
sent racing to my brain that evening. Tests determined my arteries were clear
of plaque which was surprising given my love of southern food. Prior to my
stroke, I had lost over 80 lbs. and was feeling the best in my life. My partner
and I had recently bought a new home here and life was great. It is amazing how
many times I had ignored symptoms that I thought were just in my mind. If I
could get any message across, it would be to never ignore your symptoms.
As a teenager I was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse and many
doctors assured me this was the cause of my symptoms. Had I pushed further, the
patent foramen ovale (medical term for hole in the heart) would have been
discovered as I had most certainly been born with it. In September 2011, I had
heart surgery at Baptist
Hospital
My family has an extensive history of heart disease, especially the
females. I am happy to say that my children have been advised of their genetic
history and they strive to live heart healthy. My oldest daughter is a RN with
a cardiac office in Wilkes County and my son is in his last year of pharmacy
school at Chapel Hill . My partner is a nurse
who makes a difference in lives every day.
I challenge myself to continue eating healthier foods and drinking
water instead of soft drinks or tea. I stay active with yard work and hobbies.
As caretakers, women often take care of themselves last…I would say As Women,
let’s take care of ourselves first so that we may continue to take care of
those we love with ALL our hearts!
I am happy to say that Jan and I
are great friends, we go to the same Church and share our lives wanting to help
others defeat this disease. I got to sit down with Jan and ask her some follow
up questions.
How did you hear about the Go Red Campaign?
I saw it on the Forsyth Novant website/ FaceBook Page.
What's your goal while serving as a Forsyth Go Red Woman?
I want to make a difference and reach out and help someone. I want to
help women to take control of their health instead of relying completely on
medical personal. I want to help women to learn to listen to their bodies so they can take control.
How are you maintaining your health since your incident?
I have increased my physical activity. I push mow our lawn instead of
riding the lawn mower. I do more physical activities at home. I walk. I also park
further away in parking lots so I have to walk to my destination. I am eating
better and I drink water, drink water, drink water!
Where do you want the Go Red Campaign to lead you?
It has already led me to new friends, to hearing new stories and to new
experiences.
I ask God. "OK, God who am I going to touch?" He will lead me
and He will give me those opportunities I have to do!
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