Every 40 seconds, someone has a stroke in the United States and some stroke victims haven't even graduated from high school. Now a Franklin teen, who suffered a stroke at summer camp, uses his story to spread awareness.
Will NeSmith wears his scars proudly and can't stop smiling.
"To encourage others who may be going through the same thing," he said.
The 17-year-old has every reason to be proud. He survived a spontaneous brain hemorrhage five years ago at age 12, after a genetic condition caused his brain to bleed.
Meet Will NeSmith. After a massive brain hemorrhage at age 12 he’s helping people learn the signs of stroke @NC5 @American_Heart pic.twitter.com/Fl5gAykLRz
— Kristen Skovira NC5 (@KSkoviraNC5) May 10, 2017
"I remember the whole experience. From the moment I blacked out to the moment I woke up," NeSmith Said.
NeSmith spent three weeks in a coma, months in the hospital, and has spent years rehabilitating his brain and body.
He relearned to walk and talk and now he helps the American Heart Association in Nashville teach others the signs of stroke using the acronym F.A.S.T. It stands for facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties and time to call emergency services.
NeSmith's condition is genetic but other young people do suffer from strokes. About 10-percent of all strokes occur in people 18 to 50 years old.
The good news is 80 percent of strokes are preventable and knowing what to look for will save lives.
