Bowie Stroke Survivor Walking to Raise Awareness

BOWIE, MD — Bowie resident Nicki Buckmon was a healthy 45-year-old woman when she first suffered a stroke in 2015, and had a second not long after getting open-heart surgery. Now, she's walking to raise awareness for other stroke survivors.

Buckmon is still recovering from those strokes, and she plans on walking the National Stroke Associaton's Comeback Trail on April 22 in Washington, D.C.

"Nicki Buckmon ran three miles a day, enjoyed working out in the gym, maintained a healthy weight and diet and at 45 was the picture of health," according to a statement. "But in July 2015 she experienced a stroke and in November that same year had open heart surgery to repair a leaking aortic valve. She experienced a second stroke in June 2016. Months of physical therapy would follow. Frequent headaches and balance issues continue to be a part of her life."

Now, a team called "Comeback Stride with Nicki" will walk with her in D.C.

“It means so much to me to have people supporting me on this walk,” Buckmon said. “People don’t realize what you go through and how it changes your life when you have a stroke. We just have to get out in the community and advocate for stroke.”

The Washington D.C. Comeback Trail walk and fun-run will start at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Plaza, and will wind its way through D.C.'s most famous landmarks. Participants of all abilities are invited to attend, with check-in beginning at 8 a.m. on April 22 followed by the Comeback Trail event beginning by 9 a.m.

For more information, visit the Washington D.C. Comeback Trail website.

Image via Stroke.org