EFNA launched the #BrainLifeGoals campaign earlier this year with the aim of raising awareness of the needs and goals of people with brain diseases. People are posting stories about their personal achievements and wishes on social media with hashtag #LifeGoals. People with brain diseases have their own goals, some of which are very fundamental – to speak clearly again, to walk, to look after themselves independently, etc. This is what the #BrainLifeGoals campaign is all about. Things that one person can do automatically and effortlessly are actually somebody else’s life goals.

The Stroke Association of Serbia is taking part in this campaign by posting stories of younger people who have suffered a stroke and overcome it. Nenad Nikolic explained why the organisation are getting involved in the campaign:
“We are trying to raise awareness that stroke can happen to anyone, at any time and at any age. Besides, we are trying to send a strong message that one must never give in. We sincerely hope these stories will inspire people who have suffered a stroke and give them a little hope and will. We want your voice and your story to be heard.”

“We sincerely hope these stories will inspire people who have suffered a stroke and give them a little hope and will. We want your voice and your story to be heard.”

Predrag Mileusnic, a physics teacher, shared his #BrainLifeGoals following stroke

Predrag is a physics teacher from Cuprija, and a father of two. On 21 November 2017 he felt a sharp pain at the back of the head during lunch. He laid down for a short nap but since the pain was getting stronger, he sat back at the table. He realised he had lost vision in his right eye because he couldn’t see his children sitting at the table on his right side. He managed to drive himself to the hospital despite what had just happened to him. After emergency admission to General Hospital Cuprija, examination, and diagnosis, he was sent to the Clinic of Neurosurgery in Belgrade where he underwent surgery. The doctors found out that the stroke occurred due to genetics- an inborn problem with blood vessels in head.

Only persistence, positive thoughts and the support from his family made the recovery possible.

After four and a half months, Predrag is back to work! He looks after himself independently and does most of the activities he did before the stroke. There is still a small problem with reading but it is constantly improving. His vocabulary is expanding and improving daily. Only persistence, positive thoughts and the support from his family made the recovery possible. Predrag feels his strength was the support of his children and his wife.

Predrag’s #BrainLifeGoal was to be able to read again. He kept telling himself that giving up was not an option. When his reading skill improved he started preparing for an exam. He says it was a huge challenge and, despite all the obstacles, he dived into reading and studying. He has successfully passed the teacher license exam recently. What a victory!