Each family member has to readjust their lives and help their loved one through what is often a long and difficult rehabilitation period.

A stroke may cause problems with thinking, remembering or concentrating. Stroke survivors become easily distracted or irritated and are often tired or have problems remembering. Life after stroke is indeed very different for all concerned.

Our work at the National Stroke Foundation includes supporting people and their families in the difficult journey after a stroke. The NSF is the only national organisation dedicated exclusively to stroke.

At just 17 months old Jacob suffered a stroke. His parents were shocked and devastated. How could it happen to a child? Surely stroke only affected the elderly? What they didn’t know then is that stroke is amongst the top ten causes of death in childhood. Sadly there is little knowledge or published research about the causes and outcomes of childhood stroke. That’s why we would like to thank you for your past generosity which has enabled vital work into prevention of stroke and to support many Australian families recover from stroke. But there’s still so much work to do.

We are very grateful for people's support and we hope that this year will see more people support our appeal and help the Stroke Foundation stop stroke, save lives and end suffering.

• Click here to view Jacob's story 
• Click here to donate