She studied Slovak language and literature in combination with systematic philosophy. A demanding field, to which she prescribed complementary therapy – sports – during her studies. At university, Jarka fully discovered her love for movement and exercise. She felt that physical exertion was necessary; you turn off your brain and go. But Jarka is a perfectionist and doesn't do anything halfway. Spinning captivated her, where the body is best shaped, you relax, and have fun. She also added mountain biking and discovered a new love: the bicycle. „It was my life,“ says the beautiful Jarka, who has also completed several cycling marathons.
It was ten years ago. She was 28 and thoroughly enjoyed life. However, one second changed her life, and today Jarka is glad she got a second chance. Paradoxically, she suffered a stroke on her favorite companion. On her bicycle. In the woods. She was just finishing her bike tour when she suddenly fell. „But the cause wasn't wobbling on the bike; I just had a stroke, the fall was a consequence of it,“ says Jarka, who doesn't remember the following weeks very well. She fought for her life in the ICU; at the prime of her life, time stopped for her. She lay without movement, without words, and had to convince herself in her head that she didn't want to give up. As a result of the fall, she also suffered countless facial fractures, and a dislocated neck vertebra... „It's crazy how your whole world can turn upside down in a second. I had no muscle tone; at first, I could only write, or rather scribble, a few words on paper that I wanted to express. Simply put, I wasn't starting from scratch, but from a seriously deep basement.“ Everything from the beginning. But she found the strength and determination within herself to start anew. „Speech, movement... it was difficult. Especially when you realize it will never be a hundred percent again.“
Through honest rehabilitation and her own mental attitude, she got into excellent condition. Today, 10 years after her stroke, Jarka is radiant. She has many plans and, as a great athlete, she lives by the motto „movement is life.“ However, her left arm could not be made to move. That is the most significant „remnant“ of the stroke. „Of course, it bothers and disturbs me. Because of my non-functional arm, I can't do many things on my own. I can't put my hair in a ponytail, tie my shoelaces, I can't swim, even though I love water.“ And she had to say goodbye to the classic bicycle forever. However, looking at her toned figure, it's clear she hasn't given up on exercise. „I want to be attractive to myself, I watch what I eat, I exercise every day. I'm on the stationary bike every day.“
When asked a peculiar question about whether her stroke gave her anything, she answers without hesitation. „I am and can be more resilient. I speak the truth directly to people's faces, and many may not like that. I'm a tough character, I realize that, but I really don't need to sugarcoat or soften my opinions.“
She goes to ADELI every year, she gets more mobile every time. Jarka works at 200% to make her walking, which is independent, as stable as possible. „I check every step, but I walk without support, which is great.“
A year and a half ago, she also started driving. And for her, it's another step towards greater independence. She drove flawlessly and without stress from distant Vranov nad Topľou to Piešťany. „Many didn't believe me, and I did it,“ smiles a beautiful and strong being. Jarka. Determined, persistent, beautiful.
