VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Cory Taylor's tough love as a manager for R&B group SWV took center stage in their WE TV reality show "SWV Reunited."
The Virginia Beach native has gone from walking red carpets to relearning how to just walk.
"It`s been devastating, mind blowing!!!" Taylor said.
At just 41 years old, Taylor had a stroke.
"I didn't want anyone to see me," he said. "I'm breaking down now because it's not that I'm embarrassed. Sometimes I'm in shock that this happened to me and I didn't want people to see me in this condition."
Now, Taylor is using his story to inspire others to lead healthier lifestyles.
"God spoke to me, and I heard him just as clear, let the people see you. Let the people hear you," he said.
In February, Taylor said he was lying in bed when a numbness came over his body. It went away for few hours, then came back.
"I drove myself to the emergency room not knowing that I was experiencing a stroke!" he said.
Taylor was at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Virginia Beach for four days before doctors determined what happened to him.
"My world changed in more ways than one," Taylor said.
He has paralysis on the right side of his body. Therapy has helped, but he has a ways to go.
"Getting out of bed," Taylor said describing difficult tasks since his stroke. "I can't tie my shoe. Putting my clothes on... I only wear things that are easy for me."
Taylor said he has gone through tens of thousands of dollars in savings to pay for medical bills and medicine.
"I was prepared for rainy days, but I was not prepared for this storm," he said.
Taylor has been self employed as a talent manager, but now that he can't get up and go like he used to, so he has to rely on friendsto just get by.
"I'm not asking for any pity," he said. "I'm just asking for you to check yourself."
According to the American Heart Association, 80 percent of all strokes are preventable with a healthy diet and exercise.
Taylor said he used to workout a few times a week, but his diet was not healthy. He believes it was ultimately stress that caused his stroke.
"I'm the person that likes to try to handle everything," said Taylor. "If you're eating the wrong foods, cut it out. Add more fruits and vegetables."
Taylor said his faith in God remains firm.
"I feel like I was sleep walking, so God had to wake me up. He had to get my attention, and he has gotten my attention," said Taylor. "God has given me another chance to get this right. I will not fail him again."
Taylor said BET is preparing to air a documentary on his recovery.
To donate to Taylor's medical expenses, visit his GoFundMepage.
