Aid Carlos Lazo's Path to Health and Coaching

Hello Everyone,

My name is Carlos Lazo and I am a Social Studies Teacher/high School Jiujitsu Club Coach. I am also a Black Belt in Jiujitsu and have participated in the sport for the past 15 years on a competitive level under Revolution Dojo. I love competing and would tell myself to do the best I can until I can’t. Well, that day has come unfortunately and while I played a safe jiujitsu game, my body caught up to me and a life changing event happened.

On Friday, July 26th I showed signs and symptoms of a stroke. Over the years unbeknownst to me, I had developed an occlusion (blockage) of the V4 segment of the vertebral artery. This is an artery in the brain that had formed a clot. My neurologist ruled this a mild stroke and if I would have waited it would have been worse.

My entire left side tingled up and became numb and my movement was limited. This affected my balance and coordination. While right now with medication I am moving fine, it is not 100%. I share all this with you because it is important to bring awareness to this condition.

Some early signs can be migraines, dizziness etc. Recovery from what I have is 3-6 months dependent on the health of the patient. I was in Neuro Intensive Care for 8 days having undergone treatment with a Heperin drip. A CT angiogram was administered the day before I was discharged and found that the occlusion was still there and had not progressed, which was a good thing but the road to recovery will be slow, steady, but expensive one with medication, more scans, and check ins with the neurologist.

Anything I’m able to raise will go towards the following: medical expenses not covered by insurance, recovery, physical therapy, mental health therapy for the possible effects of the occlusion, rehab, future scans, at home care, unexpected costs, and more. My goal/dream is to get back on my feet so that I can coach others and be healthy enough to fill an instructorship position to help others reach their goals. With your help, you can help me fulfill my dream.

My Instagram is: mister_lazo_jiujitsu and you can message me on there for any questions you may have and to follow my recovery. I am thankful for all the outpouring of support when I was in ICU and have been asked how you assist me. So, I humbly ask that you help me out in this endeavor.

Thank you all!