Our Stroke Support groups on March 24th were well attended by newer members and those who have attended for many years. After discussions on acceptance and shared ideas on coping with the challenges of travel, members moved into the church auditorium for a catered lunch. El Pollo Loco again provided a delicious variety of entrees enjoyed by all. Along with... Read More
Stroke Support Association (SSA) hosted an information table in the 16th Annual Women’s Heart & Stroke Seminar on February 21, 2026, held at Memorial Care Long Beach Medical Center. The event brought together community members and healthcare professionals for an important conversation about heart and brain health. With stroke ranking as the fifth leading cause of death in the United... Read More
On January 20, 2026, volunteers from Stroke Support Association’s Hospital Visitors Program—Fran Valenzuela, Tim Price, and Ali Parker—joined facilitator and Board President Gretchen Phillips for a working lunch at Taboons Mediterranean Restaurant in Long Beach, CA. What is SSA’s Hospital Visitors Program? The Hospital Visitors Program is made up of trained volunteers from SSA’s stroke survivors support group. These volunteers visit... Read More
Stroke Support Association (SSA) celebrated its Annual Holiday Luncheon on December 10, 2025, bringing warmth, joy, and community spirit to a brand-new venue—The Grand in Long Beach. Guests were treated to exceptional service, delicious cuisine, and an inviting atmosphere that set the tone for a memorable occasion. Board President Gretchen Phillips delivered an inspiring address, highlighting SSA’s accomplishments over the past year—from engaging social outings to... Read More
A stroke is like an earthquake in a person’s life. Everything is upended, and recovery can be long and difficult. Altered, perhaps forever, is the life the stroke survivor used to have. Relationships with spouses and other caregivers will likely suffer. But what about the kids? Without open, age-appropriate communication about the stroke, children may experience fear, resentment, and even... Read More
This month, Stroke Support Association (SSA) took a break from our regular routine and headed to the nearby El Dorado Nature Center. Our group of 14, including stroke survivors and caregivers, spent a beautiful fall day exploring the accessible trails with our knowledgeable guide, Tom Hood. As we crossed the bridge to the sensory trail, the air filled with the... Read More
Stroke Support Association’s Annual Picnic took place on August 12, 2025, at Mae Boyar Park in Lakewood, California. Participants were treated to lovely, unseasonably cool weather, making for a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor gathering. Attendance Approximately thirty people attended the event, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. The group included a few individuals who are rarely seen at our regular... Read More
Map and Directions to Mae Boyer Park, north entrance
Memorial Care Long Beach Medical Center’s Comprehensive Stroke Center team educates students on stroke recognition and prevention after students see teacher suffer stroke When the bell rang, school proceeded like usual. However, unlike most days, the students at a local Long Beach high school, had a real-life health lesson. Right before their eyes, their teacher was experiencing what looked to... Read More
Map and Directions to Mae Boyer Park, north entrance