Big Brother: I’m Grateful to Be Alive”: Libra Thompson Opens Up After Suffering a Stroke

The 49-year-old Big Brother 10 alum took to Instagram on February 9 to share the frightening health experience that began earlier this month. Thompson said the stroke occurred on February 1, while she was in San Antonio for a work conference — and she was fortunate that her roommate and colleague was with her when it happened.

In her post, Thompson thanked the medical staff who treated her at Methodist Metropolitan Hospital, especially her neurologist, Dr. Roach, for helping her understand what caused the stroke. Although initially labeled “cryptogenic” (meaning no clear cause), doctors later connected the event to a heart defect she has called patent foramen ovale (PFO) — a small opening between two chambers of the heart that didn’t close after birth. While many people with a PFO never have problems, it can allow blood clots to reach the brain and cause a stroke in rare cases.

 

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Thompson said she’ll be consulting both a neurologist and a cardiologist in the coming week to figure out a long-term care plan, with specialists who focus on PFO conditions.

Because she’s currently on unpaid medical leave and preparing for possible surgery, Thompson also asked fans and friends for help with her medical bills, acknowledging that covering expenses has been difficult.

Despite the scare, she expressed gratitude that she’s recovering and “on the mend,” adding heartfelt thanks for the support she’s received.

Thompson first became known to reality TV viewers on Big Brother 10 in 2008, where she finished ninth and became the first jury member. Fans often remember her for the now-iconic line “Anybody want cake?” during the show’s memorable “Keesha’s Birthday” house fight. Today she works as a behavior instructional coach in the Conroe Independent School District in Texas and hasn’t returned to reality TV since her Big Brother season.

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