The reasons for writing this book are manifold. For all stroke victims out there who are asking "why me?" I just want to say that you are not alone. If there is one thing I want to achieve through this book is to convey the message that even though a stroke can be debilitating but it is not the end of life.

Do not ask yourself: Did I deserve a stroke? It is a fruitless question. One has to toughen up. Be optimistic. And do your best. Remember that there are people who are worse off than you, so be grateful for what you have. When I had my stroke, I thought that it was the end of my life. I could barely stand up straight and needed the help of three people to help me walk twenty feet! I was being fed through a feeding tube from my abdomen into the stomach. But I didn't give up. With support from my wonderful family and friends, I worked very hard; took therapy; and stayed optimistic.

If I can inspire even one person to not to give up hope and double their efforts, I have achieved my goal. I hope that this book serves a valuable tool to millions of stroke patients, their families, and friends, and brings back the joy in their life.