LIRA suffered a stroke in March 2022 while on tour in Germany, she lost her ability to speak, read and write but today celebrates the gift that is life.
South Africa (27 March 2023) – LIRA, a South African singer/songwriter famous for her music, three seasons of The Voice South Africa and the first-ever African barbie, suffered a stroke in March 2022 while on tour in Germany. It has been a year since that harrowing day and LIRA is celebrating life and that she is talking again.
On the morning of the 23rd of March, her agent sent someone to check on her after she had been unreachable for a few hours. It was then discovered, she had lost her ability to speak. LIRA was rushed to a hospital in Germany where she was diagnosed with having suffered a stroke, specifically Aphasia – meaning she could no longer read, write or speak. She shared details of the moment she realised something was wrong but was unable to communicate it to anyone.
LIRA recently took to Facebook to celebrate her life, one year after having the stroke. She worked hard to regain her speech, a skill that drives her career. Working with specialists and therapists, LIRA was able to start speaking again. During her birthday celebrations earlier this month, LIRA gave a speech that left many in tears. Her hard work is paying off.
“I had to learn speaking as a child, learning how to say each letter, and forming a sentence. I did so joyfully though, I had no anxiety, no stress – just peace and calm. I have made such huge progress and I gave a speech at my birthday party. I’m almost there.
Thank you to all of you who kept me in your prayers and kept me in your good thoughts. You let your light shine for me.
In the year that I’ve needed to learn how to speak – I’ve enjoyed listening and the silence. I’ve learnt to be happier. I’ve learnt to enjoy the simple things. Life is a gift and I hope to celebrate the gift of life for many years “
Take a look at her year below.
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