LI teen survives Friday the 13th horror stroke and brain, open-heart surgeries

A Day That Changed Everything

Evelin Acosta, a 20-year-old from Brentwood, Long Island, will never forget December 13, a day that turned her life upside down. What started as a typical Friday evening took a harrowing turn when Acosta experienced a stroke—an incredibly rare event for someone her age. The night began innocently enough; she was on a call with her boyfriend when he noticed she was slurring her words. The next morning, her parents pointed out that her smile seemed off. At first, no one suspected anything serious, least of all Acosta herself. But within hours, her life would change in ways she could never have imagined.

Acosta was rushed to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, where she would spend the next five weeks fighting for her life. Upon arrival, she couldn’t even walk and needed a wheelchair. The realization of her situation was terrifying, but it was only the beginning of her ordeal. What followed were multiple critical surgeries, including brain and open-heart procedures, to address the complications caused by a condition she had been living with since 2021: lupus.

The Medical Miracle

Acosta’s stroke was triggered by lupus, an autoimmune disease that caused a blood clot to form and block circulation to the right side of her brain. Dr. Richard Jung, the associate director of neuroendovascular surgery at Northwell Hospital, compared the blockage to a tractor-trailer crashing on a highway, completely shutting down all lanes of traffic. The medical team acted swiftly, performing a 15-minute procedure to snake a catheter from her leg to her brain and clear the blockage. While the procedure was successful, minutes later, a small amount of bleeding was detected in her brain—a complication that could have led to paralysis or death.

Miraculously, Acosta’s body began to heal itself, defying the odds. Dr. Jung called her survival an “absolute miracle” and a stroke of luck. However, the neurological procedure revealed another issue: Acosta’s heart was in trouble. She had developed noninfectious endocarditis, a rare condition in which the mitral valve of her heart was destroyed, and vegetation had begun growing on it. This diagnosis meant she would need open-heart surgery, another life-saving procedure for someone so young.

A Heart Condition

Dr. John Goncalves, Acosta’s thoracic surgeon, described her case as one of the rarest he had encountered. The damage to her mitral valve was severe, and the decision to repair it rather than replace it was a critical one. Goncalves initially considered using material from a cow’s heart to replace the valve but ultimately decided that a repair was possible and far superior. The three-hour surgery was a success, and Acosta’s heart began to heal. Both Acosta and her medical team were amazed by her resilience and strength throughout this ordeal.

When Acosta learned she needed another surgery, she took the news with remarkable courage—a testament to the support of her loving family. Her brother, who had faced his own battle with cancer, offered her advice that would stay with her: “At first, it’s going to hurt, so be prepared for that. But slowly and surely, you’ll recover.” His words became her mantra as she navigated the darkest days of her illness.

The Road to Recovery

Acosta’s recovery was nothing short of astonishing. Within days of her open-heart surgery, she was walking and talking as if nothing had happened. Even her lupus symptoms became less painful, a welcome relief after weeks of unimaginable pain. While her doctors urged her to rest, Acosta was eager to return to her job as a receptionist. She spent her days in the hospital watching TV—including the new season of “Squid Game”—and celebrating her 20th birthday. “I couldn’t wait to get out of there,” she said with a smile, reflecting on her time in the hospital.

When Acosta was finally released at the end of January, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. Her near-death experience had deepened her faith, and she left the hospital with a fresh perspective on life. She has since enrolled in nursing school at Hunter Business School in Suffolk County, inspired by the nurses who cared for her during her stay. As she prepares to embark on this new chapter, Acosta says she will carry the lessons she learned from her own medical journey with her, determined to make a difference in the lives of others.

Finding Purpose

Acosta’s story is one of resilience, faith, and hope. Despite the odds stacked against her, she survived not one but two life-threatening surgeries and emerged stronger on the other side. Her journey has taught her the importance of family, the power of faith, and the value of second chances. Now, as she pursues a career in nursing, Acosta hopes to pay forward the kindness and care she received during her own darkest hours.

For Acosta, the road to recovery was long and arduous, but it also revealed her inner strength and determination. She knows that her experience has prepared her for whatever lies ahead, both in her personal life and her future career. As she looks back on the events of that fateful Friday the 13th, she sees not just a day of trial but a day that ultimately led her to a place of purpose and renewal.

A Story of Resilience

Evelin Acosta’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure even the most daunting challenges. At just 20 years old, she faced and overcame medical setbacks that would have broken many people. Her courage, supported by her family’s unwavering love and her own unshakable faith, carried her through the darkest days of her illness.

Today, Acosta is thriving. She is pursuing her dreams, reconnecting with her faith, and finding joy in the little things. Her journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope and resilience can lead to extraordinary outcomes. As she prepares to begin her career in nursing, Acosta carries with her the lessons of her own medical journey, ready to inspire and uplift others just as she was inspired by the nurses who cared for her.

In the end, Evelin Acosta’s story is not just about survival—it’s about living. It’s about finding light in the darkness, purpose in the pain, and strength in the struggle. Her journey is a powerful reminder that no matter what life throws our way, we all have the capacity to rise, to heal, and to flourish.