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Abilities Magazine
| September 28th, 2004 | |
The ForumOntario March Of DimesWinter 1994. Issue 21: p. 47 Forumby Cheryl Denomy In June, 1994, The Toronto Star reported that Canada has one of the lowest stroke mortality rates in the world. This means the estimated 40,000 to 50,000 Canadians who have a stroke each year have an excellent chance of survival -- but will also face the sometimes overwhelming task of rebuilding their lives. Stroke, or "cerebrovascular accident," as it is more correctly known, is a frequently unpredictable and relatively unpreventable (many patients have no identified risk factors for stroke in their medical histories) "brain attack" that seldom leaves survivors untouched. The impairments of stroke range from mild to severe, and include full or partial paralysis, aphasia (loss of the ability to speak and/or process language), memory loss and psychological change. For the most part, this damage is permanent. While rehabilitation, speech therapy and exercise have their place in assisting stroke survivors to maximize their potential, complete recovery from a stroke is rare. In the aftermath of stroke, not only the survivor is profoundly affected. Also affected are the spouse, children, loved ones, friends and colleagues. A survivor is often a radically different person after the stroke. He or she may may laugh or cry inappropriately. He or she may be unable to speak, walk, or feed or dress him/herself. Brain damage from the stroke may make a previously mild-mannered individual irritable and aggressive. Family and friends -- critical factors in the survivor�s chances for maximum recovery and adjustment -- are in need of support and understanding themselves. For more than 20 years, the Stroke Recovery Association of Ontario (SRAO) has provided needed support and information to stroke survivors and their families. Today, there are more than 20 active chapters across Ontario providing services to more than 800 members and the community at large. Its Mission Statement states that the SRAO exists to: 1) provide an environment in which stroke survivors and their families can meet, without being self-conscious, for educational and social programs; 2) further community awareness of the problems relating to stroke, its prevention, treatment, therapies and effects -- both short- and long-term -- on stroke survivors and their families; 3) promote continuing rehabilitation and education of stroke survivors as contributing and productive members of society, with special emphasis on increased communication with health care professionals on matters concerning potential recovery from long-term effects of stroke; and 4) ensure that there is adequate funding, both public and private, to further this mission. Peer support is the cornerstone of the SRAO philosophy. Many SRAO members and families have clear memories of their first chapter meeting. It was a homecoming. There were others like themselves, living meaningful, productive lives in the aftermath of stroke. In the fellowship of other stroke survivors and their families, newer members draw strength and hope from those further along the path of recovery. They learn to laugh again -- at themselves, at life, with each other. They conquer new challenges and reach for new goals. In addition to one-on-one peer support, the SRAO provides information (books, pamphlets, and articles) to the medical community and general public on stroke, stroke recovery, and the impact of stroke on the family. Many chapters have visiting programs, connecting stroke survivors with the support of the SRAO while they are still in the hospital. A quarterly newsletter, The Phoenix, containing articles on stroke recovery issues, community support groups, programs for stroke survivors, and SRAO activities, is distributed within the SRAO membership and to interested individuals outside the stroke community. Thanks to the generosity of the Trillium Foundation, the SRAO over the next three years will undertake a number of initiatives directly impacting the stroke survival community. An Ontario Registry of Stroke Survivors will be established, which will allow the SRAO to target chapter activities and programs to areas of greatest need. Chapter-level programs such as home and hospital visitation will be enhanced, as will provincially driven public education efforts. Links between the SRAO and other organizations serving the stroke survival community will be strengthened. If you are a stroke survivor or care about someone who is, and would like more information on the SRAO, its aims, philosophy and programs, please contact me: Cheryl Denomy, Provincial Coordinator, Stroke Recovery Association of Ontario, at (416) 425-4209 (fax:(416) 425-1920). CONDUCTIVE EDUCATION PILOT PROGRAM MAY 15 TO JUNE 2, 1995, HAMILTON, ONTARIO The SRAO, in conjunction with Ontario March of Dimes and the Hamilton East Kiwanis Club, is pleased to present the first North American Conductive Education Pilot Program for Adult Stroke Survivors in Hamilton, Ontario, May 15 to June 2, 1995. This pilot program will be supervised by trained Conductors (leaders) from the Birmingham Institute for Conductive Education in England. The Birmingham Institute is the largest Conductive Education facility outside of Hungary, and has been a leader in the advocacy of this approach for many years. A separate class addressing the needs of stroke survivors with aphasia and speech impairments is also part of the program. This program is open to stroke survivors who have: - written permission of their primary physician; - good general health, apart from residual effects of the stroke; - had their stroke within the last two years; - the flexibility to be available for daily two- to three-and-a-half-hour sessions during the project period, Monday to Friday, inclusive. Application forms and further information on this program can be obtained by calling or writing: Stroke Recovery Association of Ontario, ONTARIO MARCH OF DIMES 10 OVERLEA BLVD. TORONTO, ON M4H 1A4 TEL: (416) 425-3463 FAX: (416) 425-1920 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: http://www.omod.org
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