In an article for Unity Health Toronto, broadcast journalist Reshmi Nair has gone public with her recent health battle as she continues to recover from a stroke.
In February 2026, Reshmi Nair was at her East York home when, without warning, the left side of her body stopped working. The 44-year-old former CBC and CTV broadcast journalist had spent the morning out with a friend. After returning home, greeting her dog and sitting down on the couch, she suddenly lost the ability to move and speak. Her thoughts remained clear, and she immediately understood what was happening.
February 2026 was mere days after Reshmi Nair visited me for episode 1832 of Toronto Mike'd in which she joined Supriya Dwivedi to tell me what it's like for a woman of colour to have a prominent hosting role on AM talk radio.
Just a couple of months prior, she showed up at our annual TMLX event at Palma's Kitchen after making her Toronto Mike'd debut in late October.
I'm glad Reshmi went public with this, because it reminds us that strokes don't discrimate by age. This isnt' something that happens to elderly people. Reshmi was a seemingly health 44-year old when she suffered her stroke.
For Dr. Alexandra Muccilli, neurologist and medical director of the Stroke Program at St. Michael’s Hospital, Nair’s experience serves as a reminder that stroke does not discriminate by age.
“There is a common misconception that strokes only happen to older people or those with significant medical problems,” says Muccilli. “But stroke can happen to anyone, including young, otherwise healthy adults. That’s why it’s so important for everyone to recognize the signs.”
The best news of all is this:
Eight months after her stroke, Nair is living independently and driving again, milestones that once seemed far from certain.
I hope to see my friend again soon. You've got this, Reshmi!
