H.O.P.E. for Stroke started because of my own experience with stroke. Over a 12 1/2 year period I had 5 brain procedures... 3 hemorrhagic strokes followed by deep cranial brain surgery with a massive hemorrhagic stroke. The last hemorrhagic stroke left me paralyzed for the better part of a year! I was unable to talk and fed through a feeding tube. I remember lying in my hospital bed with doctors, who obviously didn't know I could hear, saying I wasn't expected to live. (Imagine that - look at me now!) I was awakened to my new situation of not being able to do anything for myself... anything!
It took me the better part of three years to recover fully, except for the hearing in my right ear that I lost because of the surgery. If you are a lawyer, please do not call, I am totally happy and very content with the results of my medical experience.
H.O.P.E. for Stroke was born through my neighbors witness to my recovery. I went from an unmoving potato in a wheelchair that sat in my driveway every day to being able to jog around my neighborhood. Neighbors would knock on our door and ask if I would talk to their uncle, aunt, grandchild and many others who had a stroke. I was not only welcomed by the stroke survivors and their loved ones, but I helped and inspired them to do things on a daily basis to recover. The one prevelant thing I remember from my own journey was the desire to talk to someone other than a person with a medical background or in a suit (although I am very thankful to them). I wanted someone who had been down the same road with maybe a somewhat positive outcome. I had this need to know what was possible and what I may experience. I wanted to know what worked for others as well as what didn't.
My sole purpose now is to help my fellow stroke survivors and their families. This passion is shared by all of our volunteers who have their own inspirational stories of recovery. I am honored and so fortunate to work with these amazing people. The H.O.P.E. for Stroke Team will help the stroke survivor recover more than they have and advance from that feeling of devastation. We will help the caregiver to cope and better assist the strokee. Ultimately, we wish to bring Peace and Comfort to both.
Recovery stops when you do, so endeavor to do the best that you can. Do what your therapists say and show you to do. They know what works. Even if some of these things seem silly to you, do them. While you are debating, you can be recuperating. Physical therapy is an important key along with motivation to enhance your rehabilitation to the strongest level. Build up your Human Spirit.
H.O.P.E. for Stroke uses two acronyms:
H.O.P.E. - Healing On Positive Energy
P.A.C.E. - Positive Attitudes Change Everything
"Whether you think you can or can't, you're right" - Henry Ford
