One moment, AJ Swanepoel was a strong, thriving personal trainer. The next, he was fighting for his life. A sudden brain aneurysm struck without warning, leaving him unable to move or speak. But what doctors believed would be the end of his independence became the start of an extraordinary fight for recovery.
Johannesburg, South Africa (07 March 2016) – AJ Swanepoel was the picture of health – strong, fit and thriving as a personal trainer. But at just 33 years old, his world changed in an instant when he suffered a severe brain aneurysm that could have taken everything from him.
AJ was visiting family in a small town, taking a weekend away for his high school reunion. Late one evening, while training, he suddenly felt an overwhelming weakness on the left side of his body. Within seconds, he collapsed, unable to move.
In a desperate attempt to get help, he used the last-dialled option on his phone to call his spouse. He couldn’t speak. With sheer determination, he dragged himself to his sister’s room, hoping she could save him.
“We had been married for just five months when it happened. I somehow managed to call him, but I couldn’t talk. When my sister saw me, she froze in fear—something that happens to many people in moments like this. I handed her my phone, and she spoke to my husband. The moment he realised I was in serious trouble, he told her to call my mom and find someone to get me help. My brother-in-law arrived, and they loaded me into the car.”
The closest hospital was more than 50km away, and the drive was agonising, not just for AJ, but for his family, who had no idea what was happening. But when they finally arrived, the small hospital couldn’t assist.
An ambulance was called to transfer him to a larger facility over three hours away. By the time he received proper medical attention, over six critical hours had passed. In cases like this, doctors stress that the first hour is the most crucial for recovery.
When doctors finally diagnosed AJ, the prognosis was devastating. They believed he would never walk or talk again. They said he would suffer from severe mental impairment.
But they underestimated AJ Swanepoel.
Months of rehabilitation, therapy, and an unbreakable spirit led to something extraordinary.
Today, AJ can eat, talk, and even walk again—defying every expectation.
“Our lives were turned upside down. It wasn’t just me who was affected—it was my family, my spouse, my friends, and even strangers who heard my story. People don’t always know how to respond to something like this because it’s not something they encounter every day.”
AJ has since made it his mission to raise awareness about brain injuries and how quickly they can happen.
“We, as survivors, have a duty to spread awareness. We need to be ambassadors, because we are an important support system. I believe children should be educated about this from a young age so they feel more comfortable around people with brain injuries or disabilities in general. A little understanding can go a long way.”
The Importance of Awareness and Quick Action
Brain injuries don’t discriminate—they can happen to anyone, at any time, no matter how healthy you are. Quick treatment can mean the difference between recovery and permanent damage. Eating brain-boosting foods like avocados, omega-3-rich fish, nuts, beans, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables can also help protect brain health.
And when it comes to spotting the warning signs, always remember FAST:
- Face Drooping
- Arm Weakness
- Speech Difficulty
- Time to Call Emergency Services
Despite everything, AJ remains unstoppable.
“I consider myself a survivor. This hasn’t slowed me down in pursuing my dreams. I believe I am still here because my journey on earth is not done. I’ve been given a second chance, and I intend to make the most of it.”
He believes his abilities weren’t taken away. Instead, he’s been given new, extraordinary gifts to share with the world. AJ’s story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, resilience, faith, and the will to fight can lead to the brightest outcomes.
AJ joined Cliffcentral to chat about his story and Headway Tshwane’s Brain Awareness Campaign. You can listen to that show below:
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