Libra Thompson, a contestant from Big Brother 10, recently made a health announcement that shocked her fans. The former reality star, now 49 years old, shared on Instagram on February 9th that she had experienced a stroke while attending a conference in San Antonio on February 1st. Luckily, she had people around her who were able to help.
Thompson expressed her gratitude towards her neurologist, Dr. Roach, and the staff at Methodist Metropolitan Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. They were able to identify the cause of her stroke, which was linked to a small hole in her heart known as patent foramen ovale (PFO). This condition, though usually harmless, can lead to strokes if blood clots pass through it and reach the brain.
The Mayo Clinic provides information on PFO, explaining that it is typically a congenital heart defect where a hole in the heart didn’t close properly after birth. While many people with PFO never require treatment, Thompson’s case required attention. She is now in the process of meeting with specialists to determine a plan for her care.
Seeking support from her followers, Thompson asked for donations to help cover her medical expenses as she remains on unpaid Family and Medical Leave awaiting surgery. Despite the challenges she has faced, Thompson remains positive, expressing her gratitude for being on the road to recovery.
Thompson gained notoriety during her time on Big Brother 10 for her role in the memorable “Keesha’s Birthday” fight. Since her reality TV stint, she has shifted her focus to her career as a Behavior Instructional Coach at Conroe Independent School District.
For more information on stroke symptoms, you can visit the website of the National Stroke Association. Sign up for Parade’s Daily newsletter to stay updated on the latest pop culture news and celebrity interviews.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.