In November 2023, Safa Srour faced a life-threatening brain aneurysm diagnosis. Exactly a year later, the Dubai resident defied the odds by participating in and completing her first-ever 42km run at the New York Marathon. “It was an incredibly exhilarating experience,” she shared with Khaleej Times from New York. “Crossing the finish line in the city where I grew up felt like a dream come true.”

Safa's journey was driven by her mission to raise awareness about brain health and to demonstrate that recovery is the start of a profound transformation. Her training was rigorous, especially since running had never been a part of her life before her health challenges. “I came across a New Balance campaign that said 'run your way,' and it resonated deeply with me,” she explained. “Now, I run every morning, but I have to be cautious not to push myself too hard. Each day is a learning experience as I strive to find the right balance.”

Safa's story is a testament to her unwavering grit, determination, and hard work. As a content creator and fashion designer, she was immersed in the hectic schedule of fashion week in October 2023 when she began experiencing unusually severe migraines. “After wrapping up my busy schedule, I decided to get it checked out,” she recounted. “The doctor initially dismissed it as a migraine exacerbated by the stress of fashion week. But something urged me to request an MRI.”

As soon as her MRI results were in, the doctor called her back, delivering grim news. “I had a brain aneurysm measuring 12 millimeters,” she said. The diagnosis was particularly shocking as she had lost her father to a similar brain aneurysm just five years prior. “It's known as the silent killer because there are rarely any symptoms before an aneurysm ruptures. Only 20% of people survive without significant disability.”

After receiving her prognosis, Safa initially kept the news from her family, reaching out to her friends in New York instead. “I had completed my undergraduate degree in Community Health and was applying to medical schools before shifting careers,” she said. “I had worked in an emergency room, so I had connections with many doctors. I sent them the MRI results, and they advised me to travel immediately. That's when I finally informed my family.”

The toughest decision Safa had to make was choosing the course of treatment. “We had the option of open brain surgery or a procedure through the main arteries,” she explained. “It was a significant decision for the doctors as well, as they had to weigh which option would be better for me as a young adult. It took nearly two weeks to decide, and they ultimately chose the surgery through the arteries. It was incredibly frightening for all of us, as it was the same procedure during which my father passed away.”

Safa's doctors warned her of potential complications, including paralysis on one side of her face. However, the procedure went smoothly, and she recovered well. “I have two more aneurysms in my brain that the doctors will continue to monitor,” she said.

After her procedure, her brother also underwent a preventive scan, which revealed that he too had brain aneurysms. This prompted Safa to raise awareness about the condition. “I wanted to urge people to get checked, as early detection might prevent such tragedies,” she said. “If my father had known about his condition before it ruptured, it could have saved his life.”

Training for the marathon was challenging for Safa. “I wanted to push myself, but I had limitations,” she said. “I can't let my heart rate or blood pressure get too high, so finding the right balance was tough. I had to learn my pace and understand my limitations. One day, after a particularly grueling run, I even had to call emergency services due to the toll it took on my body.”

Despite the challenges, Safa is determined to continue running. “I can really feel my body changing with running,” she said. “I love carbs, and running allows me to indulge without guilt. But more than anything, I love the running community. There are clubs, and even in parks or on tracks, you're never alone. It's an incredible community.”

Source link:   https://www.khaleejtimes.com