After surviving a stroke at 25, Krysta Owings found strength, purpose, and a new starting line with Tedy’s Team.
On November 7, 2016, at just 25 years old, rookie teammate Krysta Owings’ life changed in an instant when an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in her brain ruptured, causing a stroke and beginning a medical journey she never could have imagined.
When Krysta experienced her stroke, her first symptoms were blurred vision and slurred speech. Concerned, she called a friend, who immediately recognized that something was wrong. Without hesitation, her friend picked her up and brought her to urgent care.
At urgent care, Krysta’s stroke was difficult to identify. Because she was young and able to complete most of the neurological tests, her symptoms were not immediately recognized as signs of a stroke. She was then transferred to the hospital for additional testing, where doctors discovered the AVM in her brain – a condition she never knew she had.
Krysta and her mother, Vicki
In the weeks that followed, Krysta’s world revolved around operating rooms, the ICU, step-down care, and inpatient rehabilitation. After undergoing a craniotomy and later Gamma Knife surgery, she faced each obstacle with courage, resilience, and an unwavering determination to reclaim her life.
“Learning to move forward after brain surgery was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but it also became the foundation for everything that I am today,” explained Krysta. “It gave me a new perspective, a deeper appreciation for every ordinary moment, and a drive that has stayed with me ever since.”
Although her recovery was far from over, Krysta was determined that her stroke would not define her. Instead, it became the beginning of a new chapter – one marked by resilience, purpose, and eventually, the starting line of a marathon.
From relying on a wheelchair and relearning how to walk to preparing for her fourth marathon, Krysta’s comeback has been nothing short of remarkable.
Krysta & Mark
A chance encounter at a local track introduced Krysta to Mark Spewak, who led a running club in the area. Less than a year after she joined the club, Mark suffered two strokes of his own. Remembering the physical and emotional challenges that she faced during her own recovery, Krysta was determined to support Mark in any way she could.
“If I could lessen Mark’s burden through our shared experience, it would mean everything to me,” said Krysta. “There is a unique bond between survivors – a deep understanding that even those closest to you can never fully share.”
Through Mark, Krysta discovered Tedy’s Team, and this fall, the two will run the Chicago Marathon together as survivors and teammates.
“Every mile reminds me of what I once couldn’t do. Every training cycle is a celebration of recovery,” said Krysta. “Running with Tedy’s Team is about so much more than crossing a finish line. It’s an opportunity to honor everything I’ve overcome while helping support others whose lives have been touched by stroke and heart disease.”
On Sunday, October 11th, Krysta will join her teammates as they hit the pavement for the 2026 Bank of America® Chicago Marathon®. To support her fundraising and awareness efforts, please visit her personal fundraising page and learn the warning signs of stroke which are best remembered by using the acronym BE FAST, which stands for:
- Balance Difficulties
- Eyesight Changes
- Face Drooping
- Arm Weakness
- Speech Difficulties – and if you notice any of those warning signs, it’s…
- TIME TO CALL 9-1-1.
BE FAST is an acronym to help you quickly recognize common signs of a stroke and to take any necessary action by calling for emergency medical services. Other symptoms may include sudden and severe unexplained headache or migraine with no obvious cause, and confusion or trouble understanding things they would normally know.
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