Hugh Parks loves to play golf and watch college sports, but even more so, he loves to give to others. Having a stroke in 2017 has not kept him from spreading joy to family and friends through texts, videos and stories, nor has it kept him from being the first to offer a word of encouragement to a loved one. Anyone who knows him says he is a kind and generous person.
It’s no surprise that after Hugh met Michael and Jennifer Erwin through a rehabilitation center, he suggested to his daughter, Allison Bruns, that she might want to donate to BELIEVE – Stroke Recovery Foundation, rather than getting him a holiday gift. “My dad has never asked for ‘stuff’ for Christmas,” explained Allison. “He’s the type who would say he just needs a hug.” After her dad’s suggestion, Allison began donating to BELIEVE in her father’s honor. “It seemed like a great opportunity for a meaningful gift, and after learning more about it, I felt confident that BELIEVE was a great organization to continue giving to.”
Though Hugh had very good insurance and was able to access inpatient rehabilitation and intensive therapies early on in his recovery, his insurance eventually covered very limited outpatient therapy visits. This left him and his wife trying to determine the benefits of further PT and OT with the consequence of a higher cost per session. “Recovery from a brain attack shouldn’t be dependent on finances,” expressed Allison. After seeing her father deal with the limitations of insurance coverage, she’s hopeful her donations to BELIEVE will make a difference for those stroke survivors who are also trying to determine if they can continue therapy due to the cost.
“Obviously you can’t give to every cause that touches your heart,” said Allison. “There are so many good organizations covering so much need, but if you have seen for yourself the devastating effects that stroke can have on a survivor’s life and on their caregivers, as well as the positive outcomes provided in therapy and rehab – whether physical, mental, emotional or just through connection and access to other resources – you know putting your money in this foundation can provide a lifeline for those who need it.”
If you would like to honor a loved one, click here and donate to BSRF. Every dollar goes directly to stroke and brain injury survivors who are working hard to regain their independence.