My story

Hi,

My name is Aaron Avila.

Born and raised 45 minutes north of San Francisco in Bay Area town called Santa Rosa.

Adopted at birth by Nonie and Verne Avila.

I have a sister Andrea Avila who was also adopted at birth and is two years older than me.

Born 9-1-63

My current age is 53

47 When I had my stroke 

Before my stroke I owned my own water storage tank and rainwater harvesting companies for 12 years.

Here's a picture of me in San Francisco 7 months before my brain aneurysm and stroke.

Here's my two favorite photos 1 year after my stroke.

Remember 

My story

September 17th 2010

I had a Brain Aneurysm explode in m head than after surviving certain death from the brain aneurysm two weeks later I suffered a massive subarachnoid stroke.

Deficits: Can’t walk, Dysarthria, Balance issue, Social filter loss and a thousand other deficits.

Married 25+ years to the most awesome and amazing women on the planet.

Rebecca Avila 

Father to the most awesome son on the planet.

Ryan Avila 23

How I truly feel:

I was the type of guy that could do about anything I set my mind to.

Cutting down a 80’ tree….no problem.

Designing a water or rain harvesting system from scratch…..no problem.

Running a crew building a 250,000 gallon water storage tank…………..no problem.

Ran and owned my own companies for over 12 years BS (Before Stroke).

Then the course of my life would change forever.

I was doing the day to day grind and I truly believe there was only one thing that would stop me dead in my tracks.

A stroke and "Near death experience"

This event in my life forced me to fully re-evaluate all the things I, like most everyone, took for granted.

Life itself, walking, talking, feeling one with my body, family, friends but I truly believe that I’ve been given a Second Chance at life on earth.

However, the most devastating life event has now become my life's teacher. Stroke for me has now led me down a path to meet what I believe are the most amazing people on earth. Stroke and brain injury survivors. 

Certain death yes.

But I was alive. 

Given a gift that the majority 

of people on this planet don’t get! 

The chance to live two lives in this one! A second chance to learn not to take my life 

and the ones I love for granted!

Oh yes, in beginning part of me was so angry, suicidal, and felt ripped off but what I have learned since my stroke makes it all worth it!

I should have a big sign on my forehead…….Under Major Reconstruction!

I’m far from learning it all!

I would have to say and know with all my heart that if it was not for my incredible family and friends and their support I’d be in a much different place!

Tears of gratitude run down my face! 

Go stroke survivors!

WE'RE NOT VICTIMS WE'RE SURVIVORS!

Never Give Up!

With allot of positive energy,

Aaron Avila