Recently I had written about Judy, a beautiful physically fit mother in her 30’s, whose massive stroke left her totally paralyzed - ‘locked-in’ – unable to move a muscle or communicate in any way. This is the beginning of Judy’s Journey - a journey similar to mine in almost every detail. She depends on your help and support just as I did.

I suggested that some of you might like to drop a note of encouragement to her. Wow – your response was wonderful. Well…..thank you, thank you to so many of you who have posted a message for Judy and her family. Her husband, Eric, was truly overwhelmed by the number of you who took the time to write a note. He plans to respond to each of you. He was amazed at how young one can be affected by stroke!

This is not a path Eric would have ever imagined he would be traveling with such a young and healthy wife. But Judy is making great strides in her recovery. Her trachea tube was removed this past week. Judy passed her swallowing test and is on pureed foods and rigorously doing therapy.

And guess what! This woman who was doomed to be warehoused is now standing with assistance. And so many were ready to give up on her! They even told me not to be so “positive” because I was giving her and her family “false hope” - - - Ha! We have only just begun to fight!

(You can read more on Judy by visiting www.JudyAckel.com)

This newsletter is addressed in particular to those of us who have been and maybe still are on the journey of recovery from impact from the common enemy of stroke. Stroke is awful - - there is no denying that - - but isn’t it wonderful that our mutual enemy can also create a powerful common bond where we can unite in strength to support each other and also help others.

I often think about those of you I have met in person, on the phone or via email. Our paths would never have crossed but through this adversity look how we have been bought together. Look how each of us can share our experience, strength and hope with someone who is going down this road.

I was blessed recently to meet one of our fellow members, stroke survivor June Campbell. She had contacted me after reading the newsletter and we met during her visit to Los Angeles. We shared a Starbucks latte with Cathy, a close friend who has suffered four strokes in one year! And we visited another couple stroke survivors in the local hospital. June was excited to tell me how she now plans to visit patients in hospitals in her own area, Arizona. What a gift we have with this stroke network organization. So to Steve, our CEO a special and heartfelt thank you for creating this opportunity to support each other and those unsuspecting ones whose lives will be impacted!

 

From Kate’s Korner…. As some of you maybe surrounded by snow….stay warm, and dry while those of us on the California Coast can only dream of snow on the ground.

Visit Kate’s website.

Kate is Public Relations Director for The Stroke Network.

Copyright © March 2006

The Stroke Network, Inc.

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