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Toni Hickman had multiple brain aneurysms and stroke. They told her that she would never speak or walk again.
The Texas native and young mother feared that her award-winning career as
a Rap artist was over. “Recovery is ongoing,” she says, “but it is possible.”
We caught up with Toni to share her inspirational story.
Q: How many strokes did you have and when?
TONI: I had 2 brain aneurysms, and while I was on the operating table I also had a stroke. The first brain aneurysm was in 2004. I had an angiogram and healed within a few months. In 2007, after finishing my album, I went to New Orleans to celebrate and had a second brain aneurysm, and that is when the stroke happened.
Q: What kind of symptoms did you experience?
TONI: Both times it was vomiting. I was actually at my mom’s house, and my son told my mom that she needed to get me to the hospital. He was around six years old.
Q: How did it impact your career? Tell me about your career and how it's going now.
TONI: Interesting enough, it gave me a completely different perspective. I have done music most of my life and been on gold and platinum albums, so at first, I didn’t think I was going to ever do music again because I felt like no one wanted to see a rapper/singer with a disability. But after I got over my destructive thoughts, I decided to keep doing music because I couldn’t care what people think of me.
Now I am an Emmy Award winner.
Q: What did you learn from this experience? What would you like to say to other survivors, as well as to the medical professional community?
TONI: I learned that the human body is amazing and should never be given a final call. I learned that life is beautiful -and we should cherish it.
Q: What are some of your accomplishments since stroke?
TONI: I have written two books, put on a fashion show, won an Emmy and may be up for a Grammy in 2023. I have become a certified naturopath and a practicing liquidarian. I wrote two books on health – the list really goes on. But if I can give any advice, I will say never give up on yourself, no matter what anyone says. If you still have breath, then you still have a fighting chance. Just make sure with your second chance at life, you work on being the greatest version of yourself and don’t allow the excuses of your life become your cage. Fly high..
For more on Toni, check out the following links:
Toni Hickman (NOLA): Multiples Brain Aneurysms, Being Told She'll Never Speak or Walk Again
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