Stories
5.9.23
One of our regular members, Jireh, from our Zoom stroke survivor support group, shared a podcast wherein he was interviewed on the topic of being a parent while having a chronic illness. Jireh has Fabry Disease, an inherited rare condition. Fabry Disease is progressive and can cause many issues throughout the body. One of these is increased risk of strokes. Jireh... Read More
2.10.23
Lois Mosing, a long-time supporter and spokesperson of the Stroke Support Association (SSA), died September 27, 2022. She became a member of SSA in 1982 and retired from the Board of Directors in 2018. Lois was passionate about educating the community on stroke awareness. Her husband Lionel received stroke rehabilitation for over two years at St. Mary’s Hospital in Long... Read More
2.4.22
Jasmine Jackson is a member of Stroke Support Association’s Stroke Survivor Group Several months ago, Jasmine Jackson began attending our Stroke Survivors’ Support Group via Zoom from her home in Connecticut. Jasmine retired from nursing in 2014 and then decided to pursue her love for art by teaching herself how to paint. The painting below is an example of her... Read More
1.24.22
Edel Delgado, who had his stroke on August 11, 2018, has been attending our stroke survivors’ support group via Zoom from his home in Las Vegas for more than a year. In group, he is a strong and lovely presence, and when he feels sad or disappointed—or the struggles of recovery from stroke seem overwhelming—he allows himself to cry, which paves... Read More
10.21.21
Dr. Ruth Hayes, Member of SSA’s Caregiver Support Group and Board of Directors Dr. Ruth, as we at Stroke Support Association (SSA) affectionately called her, passed away on July 2, 2021. She had a rich life and an exceptional career, punctuated by a spate of volunteer positions. She was also a great friend and supporter of Stroke Support... Read More
10.11.21
Roz Levine, a retired school counselor, is the wife of a stroke survivor who had his first of three strokes three-and-a-half years ago. His strokes have impacted his balance, and consequent falls have required visits to the emergency room. Roz is her husband’s primary caregiver. “Caregiving is a challenge,” Roz said, “one that requires compassion, courage, and patience for both... Read More
7.12.21
Alvin Hayes, Jr. is a stroke survivor and a member of the Stroke Support Association Board. Here is his story of recovery. Article reprinted with permission of Alvin Hayes Jr. and Greg Mellen/Long Beach Post: ‘I Can Play’: Saxophonist Alvin Hayes overcomes a stroke to produce his latest album, ‘The LBC’ Greg Mellen As saxophonist Alvin Hayes Jr. and vocalist... Read More
1.15.21
Stroke survivors can experience emotional and behavioral changes during recovery. It is because stroke impacts the brain, which controls emotions and behavior. So you or your loved one may begin experiencing confusion, irritability, sadness, carelessness, and forgetfulness. Some people also feel anger, anxiety, and depression. Others have a range of extreme and unprovoked mixed feelings resulting in bouts of excessive... Read More
11.18.20
At a recent caregiver support group held by Stroke Support Association via Zoom, facilitator Dr. Jane Claus asked the question: “What do you do to take care of yourself?” The answers proved particularly helpful to a newcomer to the group, who was experiencing the confusion and overwhelm of her new caregiving role. Helen, whose husband Ray had his stroke 17 years ago, said: “I cried a... Read More
10.23.20
At a recent stroke survivor support group put on by Stroke Support Association (SSA) via Zoom, facilitator Dr. Jane Claus asked the questions: Are you a better person since your stroke? In what way has your stroke helped you grow? With the answers that came, a theme emerged: The life-altering upheaval of having had a stroke, the many difficult challenges... Read More