Hyvelle’s Stroke Survivor Story and Experiences

“I was a person [who] was always kind of in control of everything, and I felt a loss of control.”

Hyvelle Ferguson-Davis

As one of the increasing number of younger stroke victims, Hyvelle, 41, found herself facing the void after a stroke stripped her of movement, speech, and control.

Trapped in nothingness, she thought of her children and mustered up the strength to rediscover herself and her independence.

The day she rose up from her wheelchair marked a major milestone, not only in rebuilding her life, but also in her mission to spark hope in others.

She now uses the voice she once lost to empower survivors and educate people on stroke prevention. Yet, in the quiet moments, the fear remains—the fear that the nothingness could return without warning, pulling her back into the void she fought so hard to escape.

Blagovesta Bakardjieva

“Hyvelle’s story, rich in emotion and depth, served as the inspiration for this multilayered piece. The artist chose a frame-in-frame aesthetic to capture its many facets, using frames to honor and hold moments together like a visual collage.”

Blagovesta Bakardjieva – the artist

Blagovesta Bakardjieva, a Vienna-based illustrator, embodies empathy through her art. Before creating artwork for a stroke survivor, she fully immerses herself in her models' stories to understand what it means to have life transformed. Her vivid illustrations and collages capture inner emotions and transform them into compelling visuals that resonate deeply. Pleased to be part of this campaign, Blagovesta lends her creative vision to support and raise awareness for stroke survivors.

Two-photo collage showing stroke survivor Richard in a blue sweater with the hashtag #NoToTwo and another photo indoors with two individuals.

Explore the next survivor story

“My stroke didn’t only happen to me. I can’t put my family through that again.”

Hear Richard’s story

Top view of 5 healthcare professionals in green and purple scrubs standing together and reviewing documents.

Secondary stroke prevention

See the guidelines

Abstract visual featuring black circular shapes and 6 patient headshots arranged on a beige background

Burden of stroke

Learn more

Abstract visual with a purple brain illustration, question mark, and exclamation point.

Test your stroke knowledge

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”I’m Hyvelle, a mother, a fighter, and I’ve faced the void that stroke threatens to trap you in.”

“I was a person [who] was always kind of in control of everything, and I felt a loss of control.”

Video title

“Hyvelle’s story, rich in emotion and depth, served as the inspiration for this multilayered piece. The artist chose a frame-in-frame aesthetic to capture its many facets, using frames to honor and hold moments together like a visual collage.”

Blagovesta Bakardjieva – the artist

“My stroke didn’t only happen to me. I can’t put my family through that again.”

Secondary stroke prevention

Burden of stroke

Test your stroke knowledge

This website is intended to provide information to healthcare professionals in the United States.

”I’m Hyvelle, a mother, a fighter, and I’ve faced the void that stroke threatens to trap you in.”

“I was a person [who] was always kind of in control of everything, and I felt a loss of control.”

Video title

“Hyvelle’s story, rich in emotion and depth, served as the inspiration for this multilayered piece. The artist chose a frame-in-frame aesthetic to capture its many facets, using frames to honor and hold moments together like a visual collage.”

Blagovesta Bakardjieva – the artist

“My stroke didn’t only happen to me. I can’t put my family through that again.”

Secondary stroke prevention

Burden of stroke

Test your stroke knowledge