Stacey Bartz

Location(s) served: Iowa

Address: Cedar Falls, Iowa

Email: staceybartz@yahoo.com

Profile:
My life as a caregiver began quite unexpectedly.

On June 18, 2002 my husband went to bed a healthy, vibrant 49 year old man. He woke up paralyzed on one side and unable to open his eyes. He had suffered a major stroke during his sleep. it was quite a shock. He had no high blood pressure, no high cholesterol and no family history. The doctors called it a "stroke of bad luck".

I say the worse day of my life is not the day he had the stroke, but the day he looked at me and said with sudden realization, "Stacey, I can't walk", and broke into tears. I think it also hit me then what a long road we had ahead of ourselves.

Luckily for us we live close to an exceptional rehabilitation hospital. For the next 2 months I watched as my husband learned to walk again. They did an awesome job rehabilitating him to the best of his abilities. He has not regained the use of his left arm. He is unable to work outside the home.

I became involved with the National Family Caregivers Association when I submitted our story for consideration for the Family Portrait. This was used during their first national town hall meeting in Washington DC. I was surprized and proud that our story was selected to be a part of the Family Portrait that was given to the Senators, Congress members and other distinguished guests during that meeting. I was able to speak to Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley about issues caregivers face and the Respite Care Act.

NFCA and CCAN have given me the knowledge, courage and strength to stand up for caregivers and those in their care. I have also learned the importance of taking care of myself.