Ballito’s Shereen Laureau suffered a life-altering stroke at 50 and began a determined fight to reclaim her life.

The mother of two was stripped of her independence overnight and forced to relearn even the most basic tasks of daily living. Before the stroke, Shereen was a fiercely self-reliant woman who managed everything for her daughters. But suddenly, she was the one who needed care.

The stroke came shortly after she was admitted for a brain aneurysm in February this year. She lost the ability to speak, her right arm became dysfunctional and she struggled to walk.
“When I was discharged, I weighed just 36 kilogrammes,” she said.

At first no one could understand a word she said, a deeply isolating experience. But Shereen refused to give up.

She gave everything to her recovery, undergoing physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling and speech therapy.

“My boss, Daniel van der Westhuizen from Globalem, paid for all these sessions and I am so grateful for his assistance,” she said.

Shereen had worked remotely as his personal assistant for over two years.

Just this past Friday, she attended her final physiotherapy session, a milestone she once believed was out of reach.

Her speech therapist had initially predicted she would only be able to hold a full conversation by next year. But since starting her recovery journey in March, she has made remarkable progress.
“I would not be where I am today if it was not for their help,” said a tearful Shereen.

“God saved me, and now I have to do everything I can to get better.”

Her road to recovery has not been easy. Some days she spoke clearly, while on others, she woke up unable to utter a word. Still, she persisted.

She curled her own hair, burning her hands in the process, until she got it right. She cooked meals, refusing to stay in bed or surrender to her condition.

Her daughter, Sheriece Whyte (26), could not be more proud.

“She fought for my sister and me. This journey tested us and brought us closer as a family,” said Sheriece.

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