Sharon Stone’s unveiling: a life altered by aneurysm and resilience

IIn an extensive interview with People magazine, Sharon Stone candidly discusses her “disability”. She talks about it more than two decades after experiencing a life-threatening aneurysm in 2001. She reveals that she requires a full eight hours of uninterrupted sleep for her brain medications to effectively prevent epileptic seizures. This revelation sheds light on her limited job opportunities in Hollywood, leading the 65-year-old star of “Basic Instinct” to accuse the industry of overlooking her. Stone reflects on the challenges she’s grappled with for the past 22 years. She also reflects on her newfound willingness to openly discuss them.

The stroke that changed everything

On September 29, 2001, Sharon Stone faced a near-fatal brain hemorrhage, with survival odds as low as 1%. This harrowing experience led to an extended three-year hospitalization period during which she struggled with basic functions. Her remarkable recovery journey began after undergoing delicate surgery to repair a ruptured vertebral artery that had been bleeding for days. Awakening in the hospital with no recollection of the traumatic event, Stone embarked on a journey of relearning fundamental skills such as walking, listening, writing, speaking, and memory recall.

Sharon Stone: life before the aneurysm

To provide context, before the aneurysm, Sharon Stone was enjoying immense success in both her career and personal life. She had garnered her first Oscar nomination for her role in “Casino” five years prior and had adopted her son Roan, now 23, with her then-husband, newspaper editor Phil Bronstein. Over the years, Stone expanded her family by adopting two more children: Laird, 18, and Quinn, 17.

Coping with the aneurysm’s aftermath

Following the traumatic event, Stone not only faced physical challenges but also significant personal upheaval. Her marriage to Bronstein ended in divorce in 2004, and her once-flourishing Hollywood career took a hit. She reflects on the losses she endured, including financial setbacks, custody battles, and a stalled career. Despite these setbacks, Stone expresses contentment with her life, realizing that she possesses “enough”.

Finding strength in vulnerability

When asked about her decision to share her story, Stone emphasizes her background in a family where caregiving was ingrained. This background led her to shoulder others’ burdens for years. Over time, she discovered that she had her own life and the right to seek help, embracing her status as a disabled individual. Stone now takes pride in her journey, from surviving a life-threatening condition to supporting others in their own struggles for survival.

A commitment to helping others

Today, Sharon Stone serves on the board of directors of the Barrow Neurological Foundation, which provides support to Dr. Michael Lawton’s neurosurgery department in Arizona. Dr. Lawton, the surgeon who played a pivotal role in Stone’s recovery, is credited with saving her life. The foundation’s mission centers on saving lives through innovative treatments, groundbreaking research, and educational initiatives in the field of neurology. Stone’s involvement in the foundation reflects her dedication to inspiring and assisting those dealing with neurological disorders. Dr. Lawton praises her as an inspirational figure for individuals facing similar challenges.