My Local Stroke Recovery Association was on the News

I often talk about what an important place my local Stroke Recovery Association has been for me. I was not getting out of the house and I was not really sure what was to become of me. I was isolated and uninformed. One night, at about 3 am, I was awake as usual and being miserable. I saw an advertisement for a national stroke recovery organization, Stroke Recovery Canada, -- and it gave their web address. I looked it up and was really surprised to find there was a group here in Winnipeg. It took me a couple of weeks and a lot of staring at the web site before I finally got up the nerve to phone. I had a nice chat with the director and I was encouraged to come to a little tea that was planned to celebrate Stroke Recovery Month in Manitoba. I told my eldest daughter about my phone call and she hauled me off to the stroke recovery center for a quick visit to check the place out. It was much smaller than I expected but very welcoming.

 

The following event  I went to was their BBQ fundraiser. I thought it wouldn't hurt to support this organization that I suddenly seemed to have some kind of connection with. I thought the least I could do was buy a hot-dog from them and I actually had fun.

That was three and a half years ago. Thanks to the Manitoba Stroke Recovery Association I have been able to push myself forward in a safe and supportive atmosphere. I have learned to laugh at some of my issues with other stroke survivors who are living through similar experiences. I have received lots of good advice, shared resources and occasionally I have had people hug me through a few tears. I have regained some of my shattered self-esteem and I have made wonderful new friends.

Recently a local news station came down and did a video at our office. They interviewed my friend Candace about her personal experience with Stroke Recovery and she gave a lovely and touching interview. Candace had recovery problems similar to mine and she always encouraged me to keep trying.  I saw her progress and I too had hopes for a better future. If you watch the video you will see a lot of my other friends in the background and you will see what my home away from home looks like. You will also see a very short clip of the Tai Ji exercise group I attend most Fridays. I missed being there when the film crew was at the center.

I was not able to embed the video into my blog, so I really hope you will click on over and watch this short news video. Please look for the article called "Community Connection: Stroke Recovery Association" and this picture of Candace. 

CTV television in Winnipeg