Big Brother Alum Libra Thompson Recovering After Stroke

The reality TV star is on the mend after suffering a stroke earlier this month.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Libra Thompson, a former contestant on the reality TV show 'Big Brother', recently revealed that she suffered a stroke on February 1st while attending a conference in San Antonio. Thompson shared a hospital bed selfie on Instagram, expressing gratitude to the medical team that cared for her and informing her followers that the stroke was caused by a small hole in her heart known as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Thompson, who is currently a teacher in the Conroe Independent School District in Texas, is now on unpaid medical leave and has asked her colleagues for any available days they can donate to help with the expenses of her upcoming heart surgery.

Why it matters

Thompson's story highlights the importance of awareness around strokes, even in younger individuals, and the potential underlying medical conditions like PFO that can contribute to them. Her openness about her health journey and request for support from her community also sheds light on the financial challenges that can come with unexpected medical emergencies, especially for those without fully paid leave.

The details

According to Thompson's Instagram post, she experienced the stroke on February 1st while in San Antonio for a conference. Her roommate, coworker, and friend was with her at the time and was able to get her the necessary medical attention at Methodist Metropolitan Hospital. Doctors were able to determine that the stroke was caused by a PFO, a small hole in the heart that is present in about 1 in 4 people but usually closes before age 3. Thompson will now be meeting with her doctors to discuss her care plan moving forward, which will likely include heart surgery to address the PFO.

  • Thompson suffered the stroke on February 1, 2026.
  • Thompson shared the news of her stroke on Instagram on February 11, 2026.

The players

Libra Thompson

A former contestant on the reality TV show 'Big Brother' who is currently a teacher in the Conroe Independent School District in Texas.

Methodist Metropolitan Hospital

The hospital in San Antonio where Thompson received treatment for her stroke.

Conroe Independent School District

The school district in Texas where Thompson is employed as a teacher.

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What they’re saying

“Hi Friends! After being finally able to sort through it all…I would like to thank each and everyone for reaching out and sending me well wishes!”

— Libra Thompson (Instagram)

“I am most grateful that they were able to pinpoint a cause [of] my stroke, although [it] was considered a cryptogenic stroke, it was found to be due to me having a PFO—patent foramen ovale, which is a small hole in my heart”

— Libra Thompson (Instagram)

“If you are one of my CISD friends and you have a day or two to give—I would be most grateful for anything that you could give”

— Libra Thompson (Instagram)

What’s next

Thompson will be meeting with her doctors soon to discuss her care plan and treatment options for the PFO that caused her stroke.

The takeaway

Thompson's story highlights the importance of awareness around strokes, even in younger individuals, and the potential underlying medical conditions like PFO that can contribute to them. Her openness about her health journey and request for support from her community also sheds light on the financial challenges that can come with unexpected medical emergencies, especially for those without fully paid leave.