At just 48 years old, Bonnie Farmer Hay thought she was doing everything right, until a sudden health scare at church led to the discovery of two brain aneurysms. In this video, she shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery, the life changes she’s faced, and why she’s urging others to get scanned.

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By the time I reached the ER, a CT scan revealed I had two aneurysms, one in the middle cerebral artery of my brain and another on my carotid artery. That’s when my journey began.

I spent four days at St. Dominic’s in Jackson, where the doctors decided to monitor them. Not long after, I went back on the road with my husband, who’s a pipeliner. A week and a half later, they told me, “We think you have a long life to live,” and I replied, “I was thinking the same thing.” They brought me back in, placed a stent, and I stayed off work for eight months.

Later, I learned I’m prone to aneurysms. It’s something I’ll live with for the rest of my life. My neurosurgeon told me my intense workouts were over. As a trainer, I’ve always focused on caring for my clients, but now I have to protect my own health and life.

Today, I’m back at work just two days a week in the office, but my window looks directly out at my old training area. Working eight hours a week instead of forty is a big adjustment.

I encourage everyone to get scanned. My daughters will, and I’ve urged my siblings to do the same. You never know. I’m 48 years old, and I thought I was doing everything right. But I’m here, and I’m breathing.